One of the suspects in the killing of a Revolutionary Proletarian Army leader in previous months, died and three others were injured in broad daylight ambush at Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City, Negros Occidental, yesterday.

Silay police probers identified the fatality as Norberto Biñas, one of the suspects in the killing of RPA leader Joemarie Pamuceno, and his wounded companions as Edmundo Solis, Rodrigo Gargallano and Karina Pedregosa.

PO3 Joseph Jaro, Silay PNP desk officer, said Biñas and his three companions were on board a multi-cab vehicle bound for Silay poblacion, when they were ambushed by three unidentified armed men.

Jaro said Biñas who was declared dead on arrival at the Jose Locsin Memorial Hospital in Silay City, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body, including a fatal injury in the head.

Police investigations show Solis was also hit in the left arm, and Gargallano in the right arm, while Pedregosa had a superficial wound and scratches in her face.

Three empty shells and a slug of .45 caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene by responding Silay policemen.

Police investigations show the three armed suspects fled on board a motorcycle.

Biñas was among those charged with homicide for the killing of Pamuceno, a suspect also in the death of two persons in Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay City, last year, police records show.

Senior Inspector Samuel Mina, acting Silay police chief, yesterday said the killing of Biñas may also be related to the death of Pamuceno.

Shortly before the incident took place, Mina said the presence of the Pamuceno family members and their relatives had been noted at the crime scene. He cited testimonies of a police witness whose identity he has withheld for security reasons.

Meanwhile, a group of armed RPA members disarmed barangay tanod Ronie Villaruel of his homemade 12 gauge shotgun on Feb. 16 in Hacieda Dorotea, Brgy. Capitan Ramon, Silay City.

Senior Inspector Adrian Acollador, 603rd RMG commander, said Villaruel who sought their assistance, said the incident was triggered by a land conflict between the group of Rowe Bayona and Gary Rozarito.

Villaruel is affiliated with the group of Bayona, the police said.

Bayona also sought the assistance of Mayor Carlo Gamban and 603rd RMG troopers to avert any more untoward incidents in the hacienda.*GPB

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