CALOOCAN, Philippines—The suspect accused of killing two minors – Joana Marie, 10, and Diana Rose, 15 – in Dagat Dagatan, Caloocan admitted to Chief Leonardo Espina of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) that he was on drugs when he committed the crime. Gilbert Fulloso, also known as Berto, confessed this during a press conference on Saturday, December 1.

Apparently, he went into hiding in Albay, hopping from a relative’s house to another until he finally got caught by law enforcement authorities.

In an interview with Radyo Patrol, Fulloso took the chance to apologize to the family of the victims saying he didn’t intend to kill the girls. He added that he only stabbed the victims to stop them from screaming after having warned them about a thief. Joana Marie had 59 stab wounds and Diana Rose had 23. Slit marks from using the knife were said to be even visible on the suspect’s hands. However, he denied the allegation that he raped one of the victims.

Initial reports from various sources also revealed that Fulloso was a neighbor of the victims’ family and was previously charged of rape in Bacoor, Cavite.

Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Cañete has already recommended the filing of two counts of murder with no bail against the suspect.

The bodies of the victims will be brought to Zamboanga Sibugay for the burial rites, pending the financial aid promised by Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government when he visited the funeral in Caloocan.