Ronald Bae with a semi-automatic pistol killed seven people, including two children and a pregnant woman, on a shooting rampage in Barangay Tabon 1, Kawit, Cavite early Friday, local police said.

Ronald Bae lived in a nearby house and most of the victims were his neighbors. One of the killed victims was 56-year-old Alberto Fernandez, who was shot as he stood on his porch, according to the victim's brother-in-law, Lito Ronquillo.

"It was random. He would fire at anybody who crossed his path," Kawit police investigating officer Arnulfo Lopez told AFP, adding the shooting spree lasted for about half an hour.

Ronald Bae then walked towards a nearby market, shooting more people before returning home where police demanded he surrender, according to Lopez, the local police officer.

"He opened fire on the police. So a gunbattle ensued which resulted in the death of the suspect," Lopez said.

Malacañang condemned the shooting, saying it will fuel the fight against unlicensed firearms in the country.

“Unang-una, kinokondena po natin ‘yung nangyari, especially since may mga bata po na nabiktima,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. “As of the moment, what we can say is that this incident will certainly fuel the efforts of the PNP (Philippine National Police) into their drive against loose firearms.”

Identified victims in Cavite are:

Alberto Fernandez
Micaela Caimol, 7
Boyet Toledo, taho vendor
Irene Cuelas, 38, fruit vendor
Jan May de Vera, 3
Rhea de Vera, 34
Ann Orio, 30

Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla said he has assured the families of the victims that the provincial government would shoulder their hospital and funeral expenses.

Source: AFP news, GMA news