Seven persons who were implicated in an ambush that killed members of the military in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental were released from the Negros Occidental Provincial Jail after over six years of imprisonment.

The seven persons are Pastor Jimie Teves, Jodito Montesino, Jeppy Romano, Jasper Aguyong, Rodelio Sabanal, Eliseo Andres, and Rodrigo Medes.

Dubbed “Himamaylan 7,” they were accused by the Philippine Army of participation in the activities of the New People’s Army in Negros Island that led to an ambush in Barangay Tan-awan, City of Kabankalan on May 12, 2018.

The ambush killed two soldiers and injured seven others.

In a decision made by Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Rodney Magbanua, the seven were acquitted of two counts of murder and seven counts of frustrated murder for lack of evidence.

One of the group’s relatives is thankful of the court decision.

“Salamat sa Diyos na ang lahat ng sakripisyo namin ay nasagot. Thank you, Lord,” Ronabel Fernandez, a relative, said.