Massacre suspect gets 5 life terms

BACOLOD CITY — A 21-year-old houseboy was meted five life sentences for killing a prominent haciendero couple here, their son and two housemaids last Dec. 17.

Regional Trial Court Judge Roberto Chiongson also ordered convict Bemon Gallo to pay the families of victims, Carlos and Florinda Rivilla, their son Guillermo Benrico and housemaids Dolores Ogatis and Rachel Gonzales, P50,000 each as civil liability.

Gallo is facing other murder cases for the deaths of Guillermo Benrico’s three sons — Mark Anthony, Guillermo Benrico Jr. and John Michael — still pending with the Family Court.

All the victims died of hack and stab wounds, and court records showed that Guillermo Benrico suffered the most, succumbing to "hypovolemic shock, brain injury and skull fracture."

During the pre-trial, Gallo expressed his willingness to enter into a plea bargain or withdraw his not-guilty plea on condition he would be meted the minimum penalty of reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment). — Antonieta Lopez