A school teacher was shot dead by an active soldier of the Philippine Army who also committed suicide inside the classroom on Tuesday morning at Tambubong Elementary School in Barangay Tambubong, Bocaue, Bulacan.
Bulacan Police director Sr. Supt. Chito Bersaluna identified the suspect as Ruperto Datwin y Tolentino, 40, married, an active personnel of the Philippine Army and a resident of AFP/PNP Housing, Brgy. Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan.
The teacher was identified as Melody S. T. Esber, 33, married, of Tambubong Elementary School and a resident of Brgy. Taal, Bocaue, Bulacan.
Hit by a stray bullet was Raine Julian Legazpi, 9, also from Tambubong, Bocaue, Bulacan who sustained gunshot wound on the left shoulder. She wad declared in stable condition.
Bocaue Police chief Supt. Amado Mendoza said prior to the incident, Tolentino went to the school around 9am and entered the classroom where Esber was teaching.
Investigation showed the Tolentino talked to said Esber and all of a sudden drew a a .45 caliber pistol and fired repeatedly at the latter hitting her on the chest and head. Esber died instantly.
Tolentino then shot himself in the head while the student victim was hit by a stray bullet and immediately rushed to Rogasciano Hospital in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Supt. Mendoza said a folder was found at the crime scene detailing their alleged relationship and their debt.