• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) cited the lack of cooperation of Emily Fausto, whose parents and siblings were killed by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental in June last year, as the reason for the delay in the filing of murder cases against the suspects.
“Hindi cooperative ‘yung family member (The family member is not cooperating with us),” PCol. Leo Pamittan, police provincial director, said yesterday.
Pamittan said they are still trying to convince Fausto to sign the affidavit-complaint.
Couple Roly and Emelda Fausto and their two minor sons were brutally killed by armed men at their residence in Sitio Kalingking, Barangay Buenavista on June 14, 2023.
Pamittan said the police cannot file the case “without the consent of the family”.
Police investigation showed that the leader of the NPA suspects is the father-in-law of Fausto herself.
Pamittan said the case against the suspects will be strong, if the surviving family member will serve as the complainant.
“If she (Fausto) signs the complaint-affidavit, we will file the case immediately,” he added.
The Himamaylan City Police Station earlier filed grave threats and coercion charges against the NPA members, who allegedly threatened a witness, said Vincent Parra, head of the Commission on Human Rights provincial office.
Pamittan said that Fausto has been cooperative in their investigation before, but has refused to cooperate now.
“Ayaw naming i-coerce siya. Mas lalong hindi siya mag cooperate (We will not coerce her, (if that happens) the more she will not cooperate with us,” Pamittan said, adding that he has no idea about the reason for her refusal to cooperate. | GB
