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BACOLOD CITY — A barangay captain linked to a deadly Election Day shooting in Silay City, Negros Occidental, surrendered at 3 p.m. Monday, hours after the incident. He was accompanied by his legal counsel.
Barangay Lantad Chairman Arnie Benedicto is now facing murder and frustrated murder charges, said Col. Rainerio De Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).
De Chavez confirmed that witnesses positively identified Benedicto.
The May 12 incident, considered the first time in Silay's election history, shocked residents and raised concerns about political tensions in the city.
He is currently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Negros Occidental.
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De Chavez said a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Silay has been formed to probe the incident and track down Benedicto's two alleged cohorts.
Police are also investigating whether the violence was triggered by provocation.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) identified the fatalities as Albert Salimbot of Barangay E. Lopez and Ronnie Piedad, 45, of Barangay Mambulac, both from Silay City.
Seven others were wounded. They were Ruel Espinosa, 42, of Talisay City; Ric Ortillano, 46, of Barangay Mambulac; Wilfredo Cuello, 46, and Joey Pomares, both of PLDT Baybay; Jason Belleza of Yolanda Housing, Barangay E. Lopez; Glenn Gutierrez, 49, of Cabay Bodega, Barangay Guinhalaran; and Ginray Guitche, 32, of Barangay Mambulac.
All victims were brought to Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City.
Initial investigation showed that the victims were standing in front of an alleged political headquarters around 7 p.m. when three men on board a vehicle opened fire.
Videos posted online showed individuals lying on the ground, drawing public concern and condemnation.
Lawyer Jose Edward Davila, legal counsel for Team Asenso Silay led by mayoralty candidate Mark Golez, condemned the violence.
Davila said the alleged campaign headquarters was simply a resting place provided by a supporter and not an official political hub.
Davila denied claims that the property near the crime scene belonged to Team Asenso.
Reports of alleged vote buying and harassment surfaced on social media a day before the polls.
Police maintained that they were actively responding to complaints, contrary to claims of inaction.
BGen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the shooting is considered an isolated case, with no other major election-related incidents reported in the region.
