Fausto couple’s son to stand as complainant vs massacre suspects

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Himamaylan City Police Station in Negros Occidental is waiting for the son of the Fausto couple to surface to finalize the filing of four counts of murder charges against 15 suspects in the brutal killing of his parents and two younger brothers last month.

Emily Fausto, eldest daughter of the slain couple, was initially reported to stand as complainant, but Police Lieutenant Colonel Reynante Jomocan, city police chief, said yesterday that based on information they received, the family has initially decided to let Emily’s brother stand as the primary complainant.

“Mahulat gid ta sang decision nila kay indi ta puwede mag decide on our own nga wala clearance from them,” he added.

The Fausto family – Emilda, 49, her husband Rolly, 52, and their two sons aged 11 and 15 were killed by unidentified armed persons who strafed their house at Sitio Kangkiling, Barangay Buenavista evening of June 14.

It’s been a month since the incident happened and no charges have been filed yet, as policemen are waiting for a family member of the Fausto’s to surface to solidify the case against the perpetrators.

Police earlier said that they have strong evidence from testimonies of the witnesses and forensics against the suspects, whom they have identified as alleged members of Central Negros 2 of the New People’s Army (NPA). The NPA has denied the allegation.

Jomocan said they have completed all the requirements needed for the filing of the case. But they respect the grieving family, thus they are giving them ample time to decide on the matter.

“If they are not willing to file a case and mahatag sila authority sa aton, then we will file the case. Pero it’s better na mahalin sa ila ang decision. India ta sila puwede pangunahan,” he added.

Jomocan said they are communicating with the children of the Fausto couple with regard to the progress of the investigation. “Wala man problema so far,” he added.

Jomocan said that Emily and her siblings transferred residency for their safety, upon the advice of some people they trusted. He said they respect their decision, but if they have reached out to the police regarding their security, the police are willing to secure them.

He said there’s no timeline given to them to file the case, adding that murder cases can be filed within 20 years.

He said the Fausto couple had four remaining children – three girls and one boy.