• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The three suspects linked to the deaths of two campaign volunteers and injuries of seven others during the May 12, 2025 elections in Silay City, Negros Occidental are all accounted for, the Philippine National Police declared on Friday, May 29.
This was after the police arrested alias “Clar,” 43, of Barangay Robles, La Castellana on May 28 at Purok Paho in Barangay Rizal, Silay City.
He is facing six counts of frustrated murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 40 in Silay City has recommended a total bail of P1.4 million for “Clar,” who ranked number one among the list of most wanted persons in Negros Island Region.
The other suspect, alias “Joseph,” who ranked number two in the list of Silay City police most wanted list of fugitives, was arrested by the police on April 29 in Hacienda Grande, Barangay Robles, La Castellana, regional police spokesperson PLt. Col. Joem Malong said on Friday.
Following the election day shooting, Arnie Benedicto, village chief of Lantad in Silay City, who was also linked to the incident, immediately surrendered to the authorities.
The three suspects were alleged to have been involved in the shooting of Team Ugyon volunteers of Mayor Joedith Gallego at Purok Ipil-Ipil in Barangay Mambulac. | GB
