BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The hunt for members of the New People’s Army responsible for the ambush-slay of three Army soldiers, including a junior officer, led to the arrest of one suspect in Purok 1, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental Wednesday.
Dexter Almuete, 25, of the barangay, was nabbed by virtue of arrest warrants issued by Himamaylan Regional Trial Court Judge Walter Zorilla for three counts of homicide.
Almuete, an alleged member of the NPA Central Negros 2 Sentro De Grabidad Platoon, was among those charged in court for the ambush-slay of 2nd Lt. Ralf Amante Abibico, Private First Class Carl Venice Bustamante, and Corporal Joel Nobleza, all members of the 94th Infantry Battalion, on April 19, 2020 in Sitio Tugas, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.
Maj. Romeo Vargas, Himamaylan City police chief, said yesterday that Zorilla has recommended bail of P360,000 for the three counts of homicide.
Vargas said that 26 suspects were charged for the killing of the three soldiers.
Almuete, who claimed to be a farmer, as reported by Vargas, is now detained at the Himamaylan City police custodial facility. Vargas said they expect to apprehend more suspects.*
