Two city government personnel were killed while seven others were wounded in a brazen gun attack in Silay City, Negros Occidental early Monday morning, coinciding with the conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region, confirmed in an interview with GMA Integrated News that the victims were having coffee near the city hall area in Barangay Mambulac when armed men onboard a van opened fire at them around 6 a.m.
“We have nine victims here. Two were declared dead on arrival. Seven others are being treated for their injuries,” Ibay stated.
Initial police reports indicate that the victims were city hall personnel and alleged poll watchers assigned to monitor any incidents of vote buying in connection with the 2025 elections. Among the fatalities were Albert Salimbot, a resident of Hacienda Macamig Pulo, Barangay E. Lopez, and Ronnie Piedad, 45, of Zone 7, Purok Ipil-Ipil, Barangay Mambulac.
The injured victims were identified as:
- Ruel Espinosa, 42, from Talisay City
- Ric Ortillano, 46, of Hofileña Subdivision, Brgy. Mambulac
- Wilfredo Cuello, 46, of PLDT Baybay
- Jason Belleza of Yolanda Housing, Brgy. E. Lopez
- Joey Pomares of Brgy. Mambulac
- Glenn Gutierrez, 49, of Brgy. Guinhalaran
- Ginray Guitche, 32
All injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Bacolod City. Authorities have secured the crime scene and are continuing their investigation.
Later that day, the alleged suspect, Barangay Captain Arnie Benedicto, voluntarily surrendered to the Negros Occidental Police. According to Atty. Jose Edward Davila, legal counsel of Team Asenso Silay, Benedicto, turned himself in to clear his name and has denied any involvement in the shooting.
“He is willing to undergo a paraffin test to prove that he did not fire any weapon,” said Davila. “He is also open to a search of his residence, provided a legal warrant is presented.”
The victims were reportedly linked to the Ugyon Silaynon political group led by re-electionist Joedith Gallego, while Benedicto is reportedly aligned with a rival political camp.
Police have not yet released an official motive, but local sources suspect the incident may be politically motivated, given the proximity to the elections and the political affiliations of those involved.
The shooting has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from the public and electoral watchdogs. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has yet to state the incident.
Authorities have assured the public that they will conduct a thorough investigation and maintain peace and order in Silay City during the remainder of the election period.