DOJ to start probe of Sagay massacre in Bacolod City

Nine members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) were killed inside Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on the night of Oct. 20, 2018. (File photo: National Federation of Sugar Workers/Facebook)

MANILA — State prosecutors will hold a preliminary investigation hearing in Negros Occidental in connection with the 2018 Sagay City massacre case.

“We might go to Bacolod City on the first week of July to hold a preliminary investigation,” Assistant State Prosecutor Ferdinand Fernandez confirmed to reporters Thursday, after noting that none of the respondents appeared on the last scheduled hearing at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila this week.

Fernandez said the respondents had trouble traveling to Manila to attend the preliminary investigation.

“We will give them the opportunity to face the accusations against them,” said Fernandez, who pointed out the respondents will no longer have any excuse not to appear if the hearing is held in Bacolod City.

Nine members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) were killed inside Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on the night of Oct. 20, 2018.

Authorities have filed murder complaints against those suspected to be involved in the massacre, including Rene Manlangit and Rogelio Arquillo.

The victims were allegedly enticed to join the NFSW and were manipulated by the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.