The Philippine National Police has identified eight witnesses to the killing of nine sugar farmers in Hacienda Nene in Barangay Bulanon in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, on Oct. 20.
The witnesses also told the police what they witnessed before and after the crime.
“We are also looking at the before and after, so everything connected to the case may be used,” said Insp. Robert Mansueto, head of the Sagay City Police.
Police also said the 14-year-old who survived the massacre in Sagay City has been placed under government custody as a witness to the killing of the nine farmers.
According to Chino Gaston’s report aired Wednesday night on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the minor, who was only identified as “Ben,” was a friend of 17-year-old Marchstil Sumicad who was among the casualties.
Mansueto said they could not yet reveal the identities of the witnesses for their safety.
The witnesses have given their respective affidavits that the police will use to file charges of multiple murder against the suspects.
Meanwhile, a 47-year-old witness went missing after giving his statement, according to the police.
And 14 minors who witnessed the incident are being given counseling at the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the trauma that they went through.
The Police Provincial Office has created a Special Investigation Task Force to focus on the Sagay massacre.
The remains of the nine farmers, meanwhile, are now at the city hall gym for public viewing.
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