Barangay Chief, 3 Others Charged in Silay Shooting

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Murder and frustrated murder complaints have been filed against a barangay captain and three unidentified individuals in connection with the fatal election day shooting in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, acting spokesperson for the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), confirmed that Barangay Lantad Captain Arnie Benedicto and three John Does were charged through inquest proceedings on Wednesday.

The complaints were filed before noon at the Silay City Prosecutor’s Office.

The shooting killed two people and injured seven others, all of whom were supporters of reelected Mayor Joedith Gallego.

Malong said the complaints were initiated by the families of the deceased and one injured survivor.

The six other victims are still being treated in the hospital and will file complaints once discharged.

While three suspects were initially identified, ballistic evidence suggested that four individuals participated in the attack.

Authorities are reportedly close to identifying the remaining suspects, though details remain confidential to protect the investigation.

Witnesses allegedly saw Benedicto fire a weapon before fleeing in a van he was reportedly driving.

Police suspect the motive may be political, but the exact cause of the conflict has yet to be confirmed.

“Both parties had opposing political beliefs,” Malong said, without elaborating as investigations continue.

The Regional Election-Related Incident Board has yet to officially classify the incident as election-related, though it is being treated as a suspected election-linked case.

Benedicto surrendered to authorities a few hours after the incident and is now in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Negros Occidental.

He has not released a statement regarding the allegations.

Malong said Benedicto underwent a paraffin test, though results are still pending.

Despite the incident, the election process in Silay City continued, with Gallego and his running mate, Vice Mayor Thomas Ledesma, winning reelection.

Commission on Elections–NIR Assistant Regional Director Jossil Macute said the regional elections were generally peaceful, aside from a few isolated peace and order issues.

“With the help of the Philippine Army and the police, the matter was quickly resolved, and the suspect is now in custody with charges filed,” he said.

Macute noted minor glitches with voting machines, but added these were anticipated and addressed through contingency measures.