P300,000 Calamba massacre reward to go to victims' families

MANILA, Philippines - After the killing of the lone suspect in last Monday's predawn massacre in Calamba City, authorities have decided to turn over a P300,000 bounty to the victims' families. Radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported Wednesday that a local lawmaker and Calamba police agreed that the victims' families will need the assistance to rebuild their lives after the fateful incident. The P300,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's capture had included P100,000 from Rep. Joaquin Chipeco, and P100,000 from the Calamba City government. Local police also raised P50,000 while an anonymous donor added another P50,000 to the fund. On Tuesday afternoon, police shot dead lone suspect Bernabe Fiesta after he allegedly tried to shoot it out with them. Police earlier filed multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against Fiesta and his uncle, retired Philippine Constabulary Sgt. Florencio Peria for the death of 8 people and wounding of 6 others. The fatalities were initially identified as Dennis Balisong, 29; daughters Gladys, 8, and Gladen, 7; Jerry Pili, 49; Gloria Pili, 39; Mary Jane Pili, 12; Sarah Pili, 9; and Julian Pili, 4. Rushed to the San Jose Hospital were Dennis' wife Marina Balisong, 31; son Dennis Mark Balisong, 5; Aurelio Abanilla, 52; Vicente Redondo, 42; Cherry Mae Pili, 17; and Erica Pili, 8. - GMANews.TV