The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Western Visayas (Region 6) is continuing to build a solid case against the suspects in the massacre that claimed the lives of four members of the Fausto family in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Sidney Villafor, Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) director, said on Thursday, July 13, that investigators are considering the urgency in the filing of the case while ensuring that the evidence can stand in court.
“We reinforce and solidify all the evidences so we can file a strong case against them,” Villaflor told reporters during his visit to the Bacolod City Police Office headquarters.
On the night of June 14, couple Rolly and Emilda Fausto and their two minor sons were gunned down by perpetrators believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in their house at the remote Sitio Kangkiling, Barangay Buenavista.
Villaflor said that based on the forensic examinations and the judicial affidavits of the witnesses, the crime was executed by the NPA.
“We found out that one of those killed (Rolly) was encouraging his brother-in-law to return to the fold of the law and unfortunately, the incident happened. Even their children were killed and it showed how sadistic and violent the enemies from the left are. They don’t give importance to family,” he added.
The Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion earlier said that the elder Fausto had been facilitating the surrender of his relatives who are members of the NPA.
Lt. Col. Reynante Jomocan, Himamaylan city police chief, said the victims were shot by about 15 armed men, led by Fernando Hermino, squad leader of the NPA Central Negros Front 2.
Police recovered at least 53 bullet shells in the vicinity of the Fausto family home.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson had ordered the law enforcement authorities to lead an “in-depth investigation into this horrible act,” saying “those guilty must be brought to justice as soon as possible.”
“The massacre of innocent civilians is an outrage to our morals, our values, and our commitment to peace and justice. On behalf of the people of Negros Occidental, I strongly condemn the massacre in Sitio Kangkiling,” he said.*PNA