Bacolod City — A mother and her three-year-old child were killed after gunmen stormed their home in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, late Wednesday night, April 22, leaving three other relatives wounded. Police say the attackers used an M-16 rifle in what they described as a “senseless act of killing.”

Authorities confirmed that the victims, a 27-year-old woman identified as Jonabe and her young daughter, were inside their living room in Barangay Nabulao when two unidentified suspects barged in and opened fire. The child sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, while the mother suffered multiple injuries. Both died instantly.

Three other family members were wounded in the attack: a nine-year-old child, their 62-year-old grandmother Benigna, and a 46-year-old relative named Remy. Police recovered at least 36 spent 5.56 mm cartridge cases from the crime scene, confirming the use of a high-powered firearm.

Negros Occidental Police spokesperson Capt. Judesses Catalogo condemned the incident, saying, “It was a senseless act of killing. The gesture of the shooter showed to kill anybody.” Provincial police director Col. Dennis Wenceslao has ordered a thorough investigation, directing officers to explore all possible motives and identify the perpetrators.

Authorities are considering personal motives, noting that the victims were known as merchandise financiers in the area. Investigators have not ruled out other angles but said the incident does not appear to be insurgency-related.

Hours after the Nabulao shooting, another man identified only as alias Conrado was shot dead inside his home in Barangay Manlucahoc, also in Sipalay City. Police are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.

Lt. Cipriano Lumanog III, Deputy Chief of the Sipalay City Police Station, said, “Nang gabing iyon, nandiyan lang sila sa bahay. Pinasok sila na isang gunman na may gun firearm at pinagbabaril.” He added that the victims attempted to escape but the suspect continued firing.

The killings have shocked residents of Sipalay City, with local officials urging authorities to swiftly resolve the case and bring justice to the victims. Police manhunt operations are ongoing as investigators conduct background checks on the victims to establish the motive behind the attack.

This latest incident adds to the growing concern over gun-related violence in Negros Occidental, where families have been targeted inside their own homes, raising urgent calls for stronger community protection and faster resolution of criminal cases.