One of the three gunmen who killed a former member of the New People’s Army, and injured his sister, in Brgy. Guimbalaon, Silay City, has already been identified, through the testimonies of witnesses, police said.

Former NPA member Simon Bernardio, 57, died Wednesday, after he and his elder sister, Shirley Cacho, 60, were waylaid by three armed men in Hacienda Santo Rosario, Brgy. Guimbalaon, Silay City, police records show.

Cacho, who survived the shooting incident, despite a gunshot wound in the stomach, is now in stable condition, Supt. Rosauro Francisco, Silay police chief, said.

Police probers are looking into claims that the killing of Bernardio, also a Lupon member of the barangay, may be related to the ambush of a certain Ronald Europa, a former member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, who survived an attempt on his life in Brgy. Guimbalaon, Silay City, in previous months.

Although Europa survived the ambush, one of his arms had to be amputated, investigations of the police also showed.

Francisco yesterday encouraged the family of Bernardio to help them in their investigations, as witnesses were able to identify one of the suspects. * GPB

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