Father-in-law linked to massacre

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 27, 2023): Father-in-law linked to massacre (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The investigation into the massacre of four members of a family in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, took on a new twist as the leader of New People’s Army rebel group linked to the incident turned out to be the father-in-law of the lone surviving family member.

This was revealed yesterday by PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, when he was asked if Emily Fausto Hermino, the lone surviving member of the massacred Fausto family, was indeed missing, as reported by the Commission on Human Rights.

According to police reports, on June 14, about 15 armed men murdered Rolly Fausto, his wife, Emilda, and their two minor sons, at their residence in Sitio Kankiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Their daughter Emily, was not present at their residence when the massacre took place.

Catalogo revealed that Fernando Hermino, who led a group of NPA rebels tagged as the suspects in the massacre, turned out to be the father-in-law of Emily, based on accounts of an eyewitness.

Albert Hermino, the son of Fernando, is married to Emily, the lone daughter of slain Fausto couple, according to the NOCPPO spokesperson.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed earlier that Rolly, whom he claimed was a military informant, was negotiating the surrender of some rebels, including family members of his in-laws, prior to the incident.

The New People’s Army and its allied organizations blamed the massacre on the Philippine Army.

Vincent Para, head of the Commission on Human Rights in Negros Occidental, disclosed yesterday that Emily cannot be located, as of this time.

Catalogo said that Emily is under the custody of a non-government organization. He however said that Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson is negotiating with the NGO to release Emily, as they will provide her shelter and adequate protection.

Based on logbook entries of Barangay Buenavista, Para said that Emilda reported on March 13 and 18 that their house was ransacked on two occasions by armed men, in uniforms and in civilian clothes, respectively, although no items were taken.

The incident was repeated again on May this year, he added.

Para said he already coordinated with the Himamaylan police, who provided him a copy of the police blotter in connection with the incident. He, however, said they were not able to secure copies of affidavits of witnesses, pending the filing of charges against the suspects before the Department of Justice.

He added that they are also scheduled to visit Brgy. Carol-an in Kabankalan City, where the family of Emilda, an IP (Indigenous People) resides, in order to establish the reason behind their transfer to Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Para added that they will also coordinate with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) for possible assistance to be extended to the victims.*

https://visayandailystar.com/father-in-law-linked-to-massacre/