• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A barangay captain and three others linked to the shooting incident in Silay City, Negros Occidental on May 12 are now facing charges for murder and frustrated murder, which was filed on Wednesday (March 14) through inquest proceedings.
Charged were Lantad barangay chairman Arnie Benedicto and three “John Does,” according to a statement issued by the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
The shooting incident in Barangay Mambulac, on election day claimed the lives of two persons and injuries of seven others.
Several hours after the incident, Benedicto surrendered to the authorities.
Investigators 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 (SITG) to conduct a thorough probe of the shooting.
It aims to monitor the progress of the investigation and oversee the process of gathering witnesses’ affidavits and statements.
PCol. Rainerio De Chavez, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said they are exerting efforts to arrest the remaining suspects.
The motive of the shooting incident is still being investigated by the SITG.
Meanwhile, the PRO-NIR lauded Staff Sgt. Alvin Uy for his bravery in subduing an armed suspect in Barangay Gargato, Hinigaran on May 13.
The suspect, 27-year-old John Jay Argente, was arrested for direct assault and violation of the election gun ban after threatening residents with bladed weapons.
Upon confrontation, Argente violently resisted arrest and attacked Uy and his fellow officers, who responded to the scene.
Despite being injured during the confrontation, Uy helped safely neutralize the suspect.
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, lauded Uy for his courage as he reminded all police personnel to remain alert, especially during heightened security operations. | GB
