Hooded gunmen murdered a family of four and their companion in Mindanao in what could be a dispute over land, military and police officials said yesterday.

Five gunmen burst into the house of a farming family in the troubled island of Mindanao late Saturday and shot dead a husband, his wife, their two adult sons and their friend, the local army spokesman said.

“The victims were all shot to death and one of the motives that authorities are investigating is a land dispute,” said Col. Noel de la Cruz without elaborating.

Over 62 empty shells from assault rifles were recovered from the scene, said a police statement, adding that the family’s money, their two chainsaws and even their groceries had been carried away.

Mindanao has long been the scene of brutal killings, bloody family feuds and bandit attacks.

The violence has been fuelled by the presence of numerous armed groups including communist insurgents, Muslim rebels and armed gangs who often work for political warlords. AFP

Source: Daily Tribune