BACOLOD City – Combined elements of the police and Philippine Army arrested a rebel suspect for three counts of homicide in Sitio Mambalayong, Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on April 21.
Mario Palermo, 62, was allegedly a member of New People’s Army – Sentro de Grabidad Platoon, Central Negros 2.
Police claimed Palermo was involved in an ambush last April 19, 2020 in Sitio Tugas, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City which resulted to the death of 2nd Lieutenant Ralf Abibico, Private First Class Carl Venice Bustamante and Corporal Joel Nobleza, all members of the 94th Infantry Brigade (94IB) of the Philippine Army.
The suspect’s warrant of arrest was issued by Presiding Judge Walter Zorilla of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 56 (Himamaylan City) on Feb. 3, 2021.
The bail bond was fixed at P120, 000 for each of the three counts of homicide for the suspect’s temporary liberty.
Palermo was detained at the Himamaylan City police station.
The arresting offers were operatives of the Himamaylan City police station, the Philippine Army’s 604th Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Provincial Field Unit./PN
