2 killed, 5 injured in Negros Occidental shooting
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two people were killed and five others injured in a shooting incident early Monday, May 12, in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Barangay Chairman Arnie Benedicto of Lantad, Silay City, and two men were identified by local police as the primary suspects.
Initial investigation showed the suspects allegedly opened fire without provocation at around 7 a.m. as they passed through the area, police said.
Authorities set up checkpoints throughout Silay City and nearby towns to prevent the suspects from escaping.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Negros Island Region police, said the situation was under control and assured the public that law enforcement agencies were taking swift action.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence,” Ibay said in a statement. “The full force of the law is being applied to apprehend the suspects. Security forces are fully mobilized to protect our communities, especially during this critical election period.”
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego also condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act.”
“Violence has no place in our community — especially when used to silence those who seek truth, fairness, and accountability,” Gallego said.
Mark Golez, a mayoral candidate in Silay City, expressed dismay over the incident through his lawyer, Jose Edward “Chickoy” Davila.
READ: 2 slain in shooting incidents in Negros Occidental
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims,” Davila said.
“We reiterate our unequivocal call for peaceful, honest, and orderly elections. Violence has no place in a democratic process where the will of the people must prevail — not fear, intimidation, or brute force. It must be emphasized that this tragic incident did not happen in a vacuum.” /lzb
