Victorias Mayor Seeks NBI Help to Trace Troll Page

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY –Mayor Javier “Javi” Benitez of Victorias City, Negros Occidental has asked the National Bureau of Investigation Cybercrime Division to trace and identify those behind the anonymous troll page “Silay Rising.”

“We believe in due process because justice must be pursued through the law, not through trial by social media or anonymous propaganda,” Benitez said Monday on his official social media page.

Benitez said the “Silay Rising” page has recently posted false and damaging statements about him.

“Today’s post, which recklessly accuses me and my father of being involved in the violence in Barangay Mambulac, crosses a line,” he said.

“Let me say this plainly: This is not just political noise, it is a serious and dangerous lie,” he added.

Benitez said he is consulting his lawyers and coordinating with the NBI to investigate those behind the page.

“We will use all legal means available to identify them and hold them accountable in court,” he said.

He also emphasized the need to focus on the victims of the violence, saying, “More importantly, our focus must remain on what truly matters: the lives lost and the families who are grieving.”

“I offer my deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones,” he added.

“No one deserves to experience this kind of tragedy, especially during a time that should be about free and fair elections,” he said.

Benitez said he is working with authorities to ensure the perpetrators of the violence are arrested and brought to justice.

“What happened in Mambulac cannot and should not be buried under a mountain of lies and propaganda,” he said.

“To those who seek to spread hate and misinformation, know this: We will not be silenced, we will not be distracted, and we will not back down from standing for truth and peace,” he added.

“To those allegedly involved in the Mambulac shooting and the continued harassment of supporters and private citizens: We will not tolerate injustice, intimidation, or violence,” Benitez said.

“We will pursue accountability wherever it leads,” he added.

“Silaynons are not blind,” Benitez said.

“We’ve seen the pattern in the barangays of the city these past few days,” he added.

“And we know who stands for truth and who hides behind lies,” he said.