CHR to proceed with series of probes on Negros family massacre

BACOLOD City – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Negros Occidental will proceed with a series of investigations in the coming days as part of the agency’s efforts to seek justice for the victims of the massacre of the Fausto family members in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Vincent Parra, officer-in-charge of the CHR here, said on Monday they have already initiated a follow-up investigation in the village.

They will next visit Barangay Carol-an in neighboring Kabankalan City, where the family previously lived.

“We conducted a follow-up investigation last Thursday (June 22). We focused first in Barangay Buenavista. We discovered that the female victim, on separate days, was able to report to the barangay alleging that their home was ransacked. Prior to the killing, they were probably being tracked by armed men,” he told reporters.

However, based on the barangay entries in March and in May, the complainant did not identify the armed men, which group they belonged to, and what they looked for.

“These are public records and can be verified with the barangay,” Parra said.

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 in remote Sitio Kangkiling, Barangay Buenavista on the night of June 14.

The incident was reported by their eldest daughter, Emily, the following morning to the Himamaylan City Police Station.

Parra said during their visit to the village, they were unable to locate Emily.

“They no longer know her whereabouts. The police said they could not also locate her. We left a message with the barangay, to a councilman, if we can talk to her once she comes back,” he added.

Parra said they have not yet verified the reports that the family of Emily’s husband are NPA members.

Last week, Lt. Col. Reynante Jomocan, city police chief, said they have secured the judicial affidavits of two witnesses as investigators continue to build up the charges.

He added that about 15 armed men killed the victims, who all sustained gunshot wounds. (PNA)