Three Men Shot in Random Attack in Silay City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police are tracking two men on a motorcycle who allegedly shot three individuals in a series of random attacks in Barangays Lantad and Rizal, Silay City, Negros Occidental, on Thursday.

The victims were identified as “Tope,” 47, a security guard from Barangay Lantad; “Fernando,” 52, an e-bike driver also from Lantad; and “Wil,” 45, a maintenance worker from Victorias City employed at an amusement park in Silay.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of the Silay City Police Station, said the gunman, who rode as the backrider, had visited his cousin in Barangay Lantad shortly before the shooting.

The suspect had returned from a two-week stay away from his home in E.B. Magalona, with his family reportedly unaware of his recent activities.

Investigators said Tope was the first to be shot, sustaining a wound to the thigh while riding his motorcycle.

The suspects then headed to Barangay Rizal, where Fernando was shot in the abdomen while sitting on his e-bike.

Wil was later shot while riding his motorcycle, suffering a wound to his right buttock.

All three victims are now recovering in separate hospitals.

While the motive for the attack remains unclear, police said some family members reported that the alleged gunman had been experiencing hallucinations.

Darroca said authorities would not speculate on a motive until they apprehend the suspects.

He added that the gunman was reportedly armed with a .45-caliber pistol.

A hot pursuit operation is ongoing, but police have yet to release the names of the suspects.