SILAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – What was supposed to be a peaceful Election Day turned violent in Sitio Ipil-Ipil, Barangay Mambulac, as two city hall employees were gunned down and seven others injured in a brazen early morning attack.
Killed in the incident were Albert Salimbot, a resident of Hacienda Macamig Pulo, Barangay E. Lopez, and Ronnie Piedad, 45, of Zone 7, Purok Ipil-Ipil, Barangay Mambulac.
Seven others sustained injuries and were identified as:
- Ruel Espinosa, 42, of Talisay City
- Ric Ortillano, 46, of Hofileña Subdivision
- Wilfredo Cuello, 46, of PLDT Baybay
- Jason Belleza, of Yolanda Housing
- Joey Pomares, of Barangay Mambulac
- Glenn Gutierrez, 49, of Cabay Bodega, Barangay Guinhalaran
- One individual who remains unidentified
Silay City Police Chief Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca confirmed in an interview that the victims were having coffee inside a compound when armed men riding a van fired at them around 6 a.m.
The group was reportedly deployed to monitor possible vote-buying activities for the 2025 election when the shooting occurred.
Authorities are eyeing Barangay Lantad Captain Arnie Benedicto as the primary suspect. While two other alleged assailants remain holed up inside the compound, Benedicto is currently at large.
A hot pursuit operation has been launched as police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
