Raps filed vs ex-soldier who killed 4 nephews

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

CHRAGES for four counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder were filed Tuesday against a retired Army sergeant who shot dead his four nephews and wounded another in a shooting rampage in Pontevedra town.

Police Inspector Vanessa Gayle Dura Sonoy, Pontevedra police chief, said charges were filed with the Provincial Prosecutor's Office against former Staff Sergeant Nestor Estrellanes, 52, of Barangay General Malvar, Pontevedra town and a former member of the 39th IB based in Mindanao. He retired from military service last 2007.

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The shooting happened during the last day of mourning for the mother of the three victims Friday last week in Pontevedra.

The suspect is the second cousin of Pilipa Ginton, for whom the last prayer for mourning was being held.

Estrellanes was charged for the death of the victims who were declared dead on arrival at the Valladolid Hospital identified as brothers Rudy Ginton, 56; Dominador Ginton, 58; and their cousins Rex Jun Palacios, 41, and Reynaldo Amable, 58.

The fifth victim, Generoso Ginton, 39, suffered from a gunshot wound in the shoulder after he was able to avoid a fatal shot from his uncle when he dropped to the ground, according to Sonoy.

Statements from the witnesses according to Sonoy revealed that there were discussions and some drinks among the family members.

Before the tragic incident happened, the suspect reportedly engaged one of the victims, Rudy Ginton, in a heated discussion but was reportedly pacified by other family members and everybody thought it was settled, Sonoy quoted witnesses.

However, a few hours after, a series of gunfire was heard and the other family members were just surprised to see that the suspect has shot the victims, Sonoy said.

Sonoy said that the suspect, who was apparently drunk at the time of the incident, tried to escape but was arrested.

Recovered from the suspect was a .45 caliber Norinco pistol with one magazine. (TED)