Ex-Silay Mayor Dies in Possible Accidental Firing

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Police are investigating the death of an 85-year-old former Silay City mayor, Carlo Gamban, as a possible case of accidental firing.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, head of Silay Police, reported that Gamban was found dead in his room on Monday afternoon, shortly after 2 p.m.

The victim’s two helpers heard a gunshot outside his room and went to check on him. They discovered Gamban with possible gunshot wounds to his left and right temples.

When police arrived, they recovered a slug and an unidentified caliber revolver.

Darroca stated that it was too early to determine whether it was a suicide or foul play. The recovered evidence will be subjected to ballistic examination.

Authorities are also unsure if the firearm belonged to the victim or whether it was licensed.

“We will explore other possible angles and allow time for investigators to gather the necessary evidence to clarify what happened,” Darroca said, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident will also be examined.

The victim’s helpers reported no unusual behavior from Gamban before the incident, aside from him suffering from an illness for about three weeks.

Gamban served as mayor of Silay City from 2001 to 2007.