A 42-year-old mother and her three minor children were found dead inside their home in Barangay Latipan, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, on Monday morning, June 29, prompting an intensive police investigation into the brutal killings.

According to the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office, the victims included a barangay health worker, her two daughters aged 14 and 16, and her 11-year-old son. All four sustained stab wounds, RH Jun Dimacutac reported.

Personnel from the Josefina Municipal Police Station responded to the residence after a barangay councilman reported the discovery of the victims at around 7:00 a.m.

Initial investigation indicated that the suspect may have gained entry into the house through a damaged portion of a wall. Authorities also believe the victims may have been killed sometime over the weekend before their bodies were discovered.

Police have condemned the incident and are conducting a thorough investigation to establish the motive behind the killings and identify those responsible. Crime scene investigators continue to gather evidence as part of the ongoing probe.

The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office has also appealed to the public for any information that could assist investigators in solving the case and ensuring justice for the victims.