NPA Leader Jailed, Justice Served to Murder Victim’s Heirs

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Mar 19): NPA Leader Jailed, Justice Served to Murder Victim’s Heirs

In an enormous blow to the already down-spiraling strength of NPA in southern part of Negros Oriental, Calixto Vistal AKA Cocoy, an NPA leader in the area was convicted guilty for the murder of Basilio Casido whom he and some accomplices feloniously executed at the middle of an ongoing barangay session last May 07, 2009 in Tayak, Siaton, Negros Oriental.

The three-minute reading of the decision came Friday morning, March 15, 2013 at the sala of Judge Roderick Maxino of RTC Branch 32. Vistal was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and was given the maximum punishment "Reclusion Perpetua" and payment to the victim’s direct heirs the amount of Php 100,000.00 in civil indemnity and moral damages.

The conviction came as a pleasant news to the triumphant heirs of Casido who broke into tears as they witnessed the decision unfold in the courtroom that day. Likewise, this is a resounding victory for the people of Barangay Tayak, Siaton, which for nearly four years now since the murder was committed, justice is finally served. "He got what he deserved. They took the life of my father for reasons that he worked for the peace and order of our barangay," said Merlyn Casido, daughter of the late Basilio Casido.

LTC Marion R. Sison, Commanding Officer of 79th IB based in Siaton, Negros Oriental saw the decision as a success in the unit’s legal operation efforts integrated in its Bayanihan Team that helped facilitate the pursuance of the case. More importantly, LTC Sison called the conviction a "victory" for the people who dreamed of peace and justice. He averred that his unit’s thrust is to promote peace in the unit’s area of operation. He further noted that one way of winning peace is for the Army to ensure that true justice always prevail.

http://www.ndb-online.com/031913/local-news/local-news-npa-leader-jailed-justice-served-murder-victim%E2%80%99s-heirs