Father axes wife, in-law, kills son

INABANGA – FOR still unknown reasons, a father axed his son to death at about 5 pm and wounded three others before barangay tanods could neutralize him Friday, June 16. Meliton Kabrestante, a native of Barangay Sumariling, Siaton, Negros Oriental, without any apparent provocation axed 6 year-old son Niño's head which caused the child's instantaneous death.

Next in his senseless rampage, Meliton also seriously hurt 4 year son old Genesis, his wife 34 years old Ma. Minda and 63 year-old mother in law, Urbana Divinagracia with the same axe. It accordingly took several barangay tanods to neutralize the suspect before he could be taken to the local police station for custody.

The victims were all immediately rushed to Inabanga's Francisco Dagohoy Memorial Hospital for immediate medical attention. Niño however could not make it to the hospital alive owing to a massive would on his head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Inabanga hospital. Hospital authorities in Inabanga also referred the patients to Tagbilaran hospital where they can be given appropriate medical attention.

Meliton, also known as Dodong, a farmer and a native of Negros Oriental only came home to live in Barangay Ilaya of this town about two weeks ago, disclosed PO3 Roberto Vistal of the Inabanga Police Station in an interview with the Post. Now under custody by the local station, Inabanga police operatives refused to comment when asked if the suspect was mentally deranged. “We can not officially declare if he is mentally fit or not, but the proper authorities [can],” said PO3 Vistal. Vistal also added that the victim appear mentally fit and doesn't eat.

Vistal also said the suspect, while in the lock up jail goes into fits of yelling, crying, telltale indications of psychological trouble. Suspect is now in custody while local police authorities wish he could be given mental tests and committed to the right institutions, before he could harm himself or another detainee.

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