• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A barangay captain linked to the shooting incident on May 12 in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental faces murder and frustrated murder charges for the death of two persons and injuries of seven others.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said they are now finalizing documents and evidences needed in the filing of criminal complaints against Arnie Benedicto, a barangay captain of Lantad.
Benedicto surrendered to the authorities on Monday afternoon several hours after the incident took place.
Police probers are entertaining the possibility that the shooting incident was related to the elections in Silay City.
The PRO-NIR has formed a Special Investigation Task Group to conduct a thorough probe of the shooting.
After his proclamation as congressman of Negros Occidental third district, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez visited the injured victims at a private hospital in Bacolod City.
Benitez said he also extended financial assistance to the victims although he did not disclose the amount.
Of the seven injured victims, one was already released from the medical facility.
Benitez also warned the people behind the troll account that has been attacking him that he will go after them.
In a Facebook post, Benitez said even if the account is already deleted, he will still go after them.
“You can delete the page, but you can’t erase your digital trail. We will still catch you, the newly proclaimed solon said.
“This isn’t about vengeance, it is about accountability,” he added. | GB
