Army sergeant allegedly kills wife, self in Calinog

A Philippine Army sergeant allegedly gunned down his wife before killing himself late Tuesday evening, June 16, in Calinog, Iloilo.

The incident happened at the couple’s home in Barangay Badlan Pequeño, Calinog, around 10 p.m.

Reports said the victim, identified only as alias “April,” 37, died of multiple gunshot wounds.

After shooting his wife, alias “John,” a 35-year-old Army sergeant assigned in Jamindan, Capiz, allegedly shot himself.

According to Capt. Melvin Mercado, Calinog police chief, the suspect came home from work shortly before the shooting.

John was already under the influence of liquor when he arrived, police said.

The couple had a confrontation, which escalated into a heated argument.

At the height of their verbal tussle, the soldier allegedly drew his issued caliber .45 pistol and shot his wife.

He then shot himself, resulting in his instantaneous death.

April was immediately rushed by her relatives to the Calinog District Hospital but did not survive.

Mercado pointed to jealousy and the couple’s financial challenges as the possible reasons behind the argument.

He declined to elaborate further.

The Philippines’ Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act covers violent acts committed against a woman who is or was the offender’s wife or with whom the offender has or had a sexual or dating relationship.

The couple’s two young children were at a relative’s house about 30 meters away when the incident happened.

The couple also had children from previous relationships, but police investigators were not sure where they were staying.