Rape-slay suspect shot dead by alleged NPA rebels

TAGUM CITY – Suspected communist rebels on Sunday shot dead an ex-convict tagged as one of the suspects in the rape and killing of a young woman in Mati City, Davao Oriental two years ago, police on Monday said.

Senior Supt. Harry Espela, Davao Oriental police chief, identified the victim as Fabian Gemarino Jr., 58, and resident of Mati City.

Gemarino was gunned down by unidentified assailants, believed to be New People’s Army rebels, in Purok (Community) Gemelina, Sitio (Sub-village) Sudlon, Barangay Central past 9:50 p.m., Espela told the Inquirer by text message.

The victim and another suspect had been implicated in the rape and shooting to death of a woman in Sitio Upper Madang, Barangay Central sometime in 2014.

“A settlement had been attempted between (the side of Gemarino) and the victim’s family but up to now, the former was not able to give an amount of money,” said Chief Insp. Decano Morales Jr., Davao Oriental police spokesperson.

Espela said the victim had been missing for almost a month until his bullet-riddled body was found late Sunday.

“His family claimed NPA rebels may have murdered him as reprisal for the rape he allegedly committed,” Espela added. JE/rga