FAMILY OF 7 SLAIN, BURIED IN SHALLOW GRAVE IN  LANAO DEL NORTE

SEVEN persons who were reported missing were found buried together in a shallow grave in Sapad, Lanao del Norte, police said yesterday.

The Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office identified the victims as Joselito Gaviola, his wife Marly;  Elvie Lenara, Jomar Lenara, Jopay Lenara, Epifanio Lenara Sr. and Epifanio Lenara Jr..

The victims, who were relatives, sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Officials of the Sapad Municipal Police Station said the Gaviolas are residents of Bgy. Sangali in Zamboanga City while the Leneras are from Margossatubig town in Zamboanga del Sur.

Villagers on Sunday discovered the shallow grave in a coconut farm in Bgy. Karkum in Sapad.

Text messages spreading around Lanao del Norte indicated the victims were abducted somewhere and brought to Sapad to mislead investigators.

Probers have yet to determine the identity of the suspects and the motive for the killing.