Previously unrepentant, man who butchered wife now says he feels sorry

The man who initially showed no remorse in killing and dismembering his wife in Quezon City has changed his tune, this time saying he regrets what he has done.

"Nagsisi po," said Orlando Estrera, 43, in an exclusive interview with GMA News on Tuesday.

In earlier interviews, Orlando said he doesn't regret killing Heide, his wife of 16 years who he said was abusive to him and whom he described as an "animal."

After killing Heide last Sunday, Orlando also hacked off her limbs and mutilated the rest of her body, then casually threw the parts outside the window.

On Tuesday's interview, Orlando said he was a good husband to Heide. "Mabuti naman po ako sa pagsasama namin," he said. 

Relatives, meanwhile, could not imagine how Orlando could have committed the crime since both looked happy during a recent trip.

Heide's cousin, Glenda Jamin, described the victim as someone who was always happy, kind and thoughtful. "Mabait 'yun. Walang pinakisama sa kanya na hindi maganda," she said.

The victim's uncle, Herminio Espinosa, said family members tried to hide Hiede's death from him, knowing how he would react from such horrible news.

"Para akong hihimatayin. Hindi nga nila pinaalam sakin," he said.

Espinosa said Orlando should have just left the house instead of killing his wife. He described Hiede as a good person.

"Hindi kako gawain ng matinong tao bakit ginanun 'yun pamangkin ko, napakabait naman, napakabait ng pamangkin ko," he said.

Heide was supposed to seek advice from her aunt, Catalina Espinosa, on the day the crime happened. At that time, Heidi was having problems with Orlando.

"Pag inaaway siya ng asawa niya, sa akin tumatakbo kaya sabi ko sa kanya kung anuman problema mo sabihin mo sa 'kin. Eh hindi niya nasabi nung time na 'yun dahil nung nag-usap kami sabi ko pumunta ka ng Linggo, mag-usap, tayo. Hindi nga nakarating," she said.

Catalina said Orlando would occasionally beat up Heide whenever he was drunk. She also said Heide had scars on her face after Orlando once threatened her with a knife.

"Sabi kung ganyan pala may balak ang asawa mo papatayin ka kasi kung mahal ka ng asawa mo bakit ka ginaganyan," she said.

Orlando already underwent inquest proceedings for parricide where no bail was recommended by the Office of the City Prosecutor. He also underwent another drug test and returned with negative results.

"Mabulok na lang siya sa kulungan. Kung ano ginawa niya sa pamangkin ko pag sufferan niya," Catalina said.  —KBK, GMA News