Father attacks family with a bolo, kills 2-year-old

A father who attacked his family with a bolo and several knives while they were sleeping was arrested Friday morning in Antipolo City, GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" reported.

Thirty-one year-old suspect Acmad Dimala, a Muslim, wounded his two wives Norqueza and Josephine. He also attacked his children, aged one and two.

The two-year-old later died from injuries.

Antipolo police commander Superintendent Serafin Petalio II said that police officers had immediately responded to the attack, arrested Dimala, and rescued the victims.

A bolo, a balisong, and a kitchen knife were recovered from the suspect.

Dimala faced frustrated murder and parricide charges. 

The suspect, who initially claimed he was possessed by evil spirits, later conceded that he may have been under the influence of an illegal substance.

"Sinasakal ako ng kung anu-anong espiritu na pumupunta sa akin, kaya naging madilim ang paningin ko sa kanila sa oras na 'yon," Dimala said.

"Kasi ang naisip ko rin na baka pati ako magpapakamatay sa oras na 'yon para mawala na ang paghihirap ko, 'yun ang nasa isip ko," he added. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News