PHP 75,000 reward offered in Silay sibling attack

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities are urging anyone with information on the attack on three siblings in Hacienda Badiang, Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental, that killed one child on Saturday to come forward, following the offering of a PHP 75,000 reward.

Mayor Joedith Gallego, in a video message on Sunday, said the city government is offering a PHP 25,000 reward for information that would help police identify and capture the suspect.

A 9-year-old girl was found dead, and her two siblings were injured after they were mauled by an unidentified person inside their house.

The incident was discovered by their father when he went home before noon that day.

Police Lt. Col. Edison Garcia, chief of the Silay City Police Station, said the three siblings were usually left alone at home because their mother works in Saudi Arabia and their father works as an overseer in a sugarcane field.

Garcia said neighbors heard shouting early Saturday morning.

However, due to intense rains, they could not clearly say if something was happening, and they ignored it.

Police received the report Saturday afternoon.

When police responded, a stone was recovered from the scene.

The items inside the house were intact.

Garcia said police could not yet determine the motive, but they already have persons of interest.

Aside from sustaining head injuries, the victims also had bruises, Garcia said.

The two injured victims include a 14-year-old girl who is still in critical condition and her 3-year-old brother, who is stable.

Both are recuperating at a hospital in Bacolod City, Garcia said.

Garcia said the child who died was subjected to swabbing to determine whether there was sexual assault, as police explore all possible angles.

Police are awaiting the findings of the medical examination.

Garcia said he hopes the two wounded victims recover, as their statements are vital to fast-track the investigation.

Gallego said he was saddened by the incident and condemned the crime.

“This is so painful for the three children and their family. Let’s help one another to solve this case and give justice to the victims,” the mayor said.

Gallego assured informants their identities will be kept confidential for their safety.

He said the perpetrator must face the consequences of his actions.

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez is also offering a PHP 50,000 reward for information related to the case, and he also condemned the incident.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, directed concerned units to pursue all leads and ensure justice is served.

He said the investigation must be objective and evidence-based, especially since the victims are minors.

Ibay also expressed condolences to the victims’ family, particularly for the loss of one child.

“We assure them that the police will exert all efforts to uncover the truth behind this incident and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

He urged anyone with information to coordinate with Silay police or the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, Garcia said all necessary measures are being undertaken to thoroughly investigate the incident.

He said police are intensifying fact-finding operations, gathering evidence, and coordinating closely with concerned units to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable under the law.

The Silay City Police Station also appealed to residents of Barangay E. Lopez and the public to cooperate by providing information that may aid in the swift resolution of the case.

The local police also expressed their deepest sympathy and solidarity with the families affected by the incident.

“We share in the community’s grief and strongly condemn this senseless act of violence,” police said in a statement.