Tragic birthday

A WOMAN who was supposed to celebrate her birthday on Saturday was shot dead by her live-in partner, along with their two children, in their home in Negros Occidental.

Suspect Raymundo Diaz, a 59-year-old ukay-ukay businessman, shot himself in the head after killing his family.

Slain were Mary Rose Egca, 24, their daughter Ruth Esther, aged one-year-and-nine-months, and seven-month-old son Job David.

Himamaylan City police chief Lt. Col. Romeo Vargas said the killing occurred in the victims’ house in Greenland Subdivision, Bgy. 4, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Mary Rose was supposed to mark her 24th birthday on Saturday with her family in Sitio Pucatod, Bgy. Payao, Binalbagan when she met her tragic death.

The family’s household help Analyn Cepeda told police that she heard Mary Rose and Raymundo fighting while preparing to go to Bgy. Payao until she heard four gun bursts.

Raymundo allegedly did not want Mary Rose to go to her parents’ house to celebrate her birthday.

The housemaid immediately sought the help of their neighbors, who called the police.

Responding lawmen found Mary Rose and Ruth Esther bloodied in the room while Job David’s body was discovered beside the bedroom’s door.

Mary Rose had a gunshot wound in the forehead while her children had a lone gunshot wound each in the face and head.

The victims were rushed to Himamaylan City District Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival.

Raymundo is being treated at a private hospital in Bacolod City.

Recovered at the crime scene was a cal. 38 pistol with magazine containing three ammunition and four empty shells.