By FREDDIE VELEZ
The 9mm pistol discovered inside a parked vehicle in San Rafael, Bulacan, where a mother and her two children were found dead on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20, was registered to the victim herself, police said.
Authorities identified the victims as “Rose,” 31, an online bookkeeper for a US‑based company; her son “Matt,” 9; and daughter “Marga,” 4. They were natives of Barangay Sulucan, Angat, and residents of Virgen delas Flores, Baliwag City.
Passersby noticed the Toyota Avanza (license plate NKG‑3374) abandoned in Barangay Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, and saw unmoving occupants inside.
They alerted barangay officials and police at around 2:11 p.m.
Responding officers found the three bodies in the back of the vehicle with gunshot wounds to the head.
During the inspection, investigators also found a 9mm pistol lying beside Rose’s body.
Records later confirmed the firearm was registered in her name, and she also owned the vehicle.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the vehicle for evidence.
Friends told police Rose had struggled with depression and anxiety, prompting authorities to consider a possible murder‑suicide scenario.
Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, Central Luzon police director, said Rose’s body will undergo a paraffin test to determine if she fired the weapon.
Police, however, said they are also pursuing a person of interest and have not ruled out foul play.
Rose and her children were last seen visiting her parents in Angat on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 19, before leaving around 4 p.m. They could not be contacted afterward.
