Businesswoman, five police officers named

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Western Visayas has filed murder charges against several suspects for conspiracy to kill Atty. Erfe del Castillo in an ambush that occurred on December 21, 2018.

The ambush resulted in the death of former police officer Efren Palmares, del Castillo’s fiancé.

In a press conference yesterday, Del Castillo identified the suspects as businesswoman Catherine Berioso-Cabuga, also known as ‘Kate Brios;’ Berioso-Cabuga’s mother Shirley Berioso and sister Caselyn Berioso; and their legal counsel, Atty. Jose Max Ortiz.

Five police officers were also named, including former Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo; former acting BCPO director, Police Superintendent Richie Yatar; Police Senior Inspector James Adrian Albaytar; Senior Police Officer 2 Joshua Barile; and Police Officer 3 Ronald Ortiz.

Another suspect is a member of the media, whose name is being withheld by Watchmen Daily Journal.

Aside from Del Castillo, Palmares’ mother Rosalia was also named as a co-complainant.

Del Castillo claimed the suspects conspired to kill her, naming Berios-Cabuga as the “mastermind.”

“I am a thorn on her neck,” she said, adding, the ambush stemmed from a dispute between Berioso-Cabuga and her husband, particularly over the Metro Inn Hotel in Bacolod City.

The plaintiff serves as legal counsel to Berioso-Cabuga’s estranged husband, Francis.

“My mind was still alert at the time of the incident along the Circumferential Road up to the time of my operation,” she pointed out. “I saw who shot me, who they reported to after the incident, and who the individuals in the area were.”

“That area in Talisay City was [well-lit], so I remember all of them,” del Castillo added.

Watchmen Daily Journal attempted to contact Berioso-Cabuga and her legal counsel but, as of press time, they have yet to provide a response./DGB, WDJ