‘Uncooperative’ family member hampering massacre case

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 19, 2024): ‘Uncooperative’ family member hampering massacre case (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The lack of cooperation of Emily Fausto, whose parents and siblings were allegedly massacred by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, was blamed for murder cases still not being filed against the suspects, as of this time.

“Hindi cooperative young family member (The family member is not cooperating with us), PCol. Leo Pamittan, outgoing provincial police director of Negros Occidental, disclosed yesterday.

Pamittan, however, said they are trying their best to convince her to sign the affidavit complaint.

According to police investigations, Couple Roly and Emelda Fausto and their two minor sons were brutally killed by suspected New People’s Army rebels at their house in Sitio Kalingkingan, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, on June 14 last year.

Asked if the police can file a case against the suspects, on behalf of the complainant, Pamittan replied “without the consent of the family, we cannot.”

Interestingly, the leader of the NPA suspects has turned out to be the father-in-law of Emily, based on the investigation of the Himamaylan City police.

Pamittan said the case against the suspects will be strong if the surviving family member will be the complainant.

If she (Emily) signs the complaint affidavit, we will file the case immediately, Pamittan said.

The Himamaylan police earlier filed grave threats and coercion charges against NPA members, who allegedly threatened a witness, according to Vincent Parra, head of the Commission on Human Rights provincial office.

Emily, according to Pamittan, had previously been cooperative with their investigations of the incident. But now, she is not cooperating with us, he added.

“Ayaw naming i coerce siya. If we will do it, mas lalong hindi siya mag cooperate (We do not want to coerce her, because if we do, the more she will not cooperate.)

As for the reason behind her refusal to cooperate, Pamittan said he has no idea.*

https://visayandailystar.com/uncooperative-family-member-hampering-massacre-case/