Masbate City (CNN Philippines, September 1) — A 16-year-old teenager who was first identified as a suspect in last week’s robbing and killing of five family members has confessed it was his father who masterminded the crime with the help of his uncle, police said Tuesday.
PNP Bicol spokesperson Malu Calubaquib said “David,” not his real name, told police that his father Deonilo Gutlay Rabino and uncle Rowel Gutlay Rabino were behind the death of the five people in Barangay Tinapian, Baleno in Masbate. The teenager said the Rabino brothers broke into the home of the victims to steal money and gadgets. When they entered, the 14-year-old Kristille woke up and called for help, so she was fatally stabbed in the stomach by Rowel, Calubaquib added.
The other fatalities in the August 28 incident were identified by police as Jennifer Adigue, Adela Cortes, Jesus Adigue, and Joyce, who is 17 years old.
The youngest family member, 13-year-old Angel, was wounded in the attack.
Calubaquib said “David” was told by his father to go home right after the crime.
Police said Deonilo was nabbed in Sitio Gold-Bug, Brgy. Syndicate, Aroroy, while Rowel was arrested on Monday in Brgy. Capsay in Baleno, Masbate.
The suspects are facing murder, frustrated robbery with homicide, and frustrated murder cases.
CNN Philippines Albay-based correspondent Rosas Olarte contributed to this report.
