REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Silay In Shock: Police On Full Manhunt After Deadly Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 7 Hurt
Photo credit: PRO-NIR
Silay City, Negros Occidental woke up to tragedy on Monday morning after a sudden burst of gunfire left two people dead and seven others wounded in Barangay Mambulac. The incident happened around 7 a.m., right in front of a political headquarters, shaking the quiet neighborhood just as the day was beginning.
Police say the shooter was none other than Barangay Lantad village chief Arnie Benedicto, accompanied by two still-unidentified men. According to reports, they opened fire while passing the political hub, then quickly fled the scene.
The victims who didn’t make it were Albert Salimbot of Hacienda Macamig Pulo, Barangay E. Lopez, and Ronnie Piedad, 45, of Purok Ipil-ipil, Barangay Mambulac. They were declared dead on arrival at a local government hospital.
Seven others—Ruel Espinosa, Ric Ortillano, Wilfredo Cuello, Glenn Gutierrez, Ginray Guitche, Jason Belleza, and Joey Pomares—were rushed to Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, they were later transferred to a private hospital in Bacolod City.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, the newly installed director of the Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), didn’t hold back in condemning the violence.
“This kind of act has no place in our community,” Ibay said in a statement. “We want to assure everyone in Silay and the rest of the region that the situation is under control. We’re doing everything to catch those responsible.”
Hot pursuit operations are now in full swing. Checkpoints have been set up across Silay and neighboring areas to stop the suspects from getting away. Extra police forces are also on the ground to make sure things stay peaceful, especially with election season in the air.
A quick reaction team has been dispatched to back up Silay police in the ongoing manhunt.
It’s a tense time for Silay, but authorities are urging everyone to stay calm and vigilant. As investigations continue, the community is holding its breath, hoping justice will be swift and decisive.
Police say the shooter was none other than Barangay Lantad village chief Arnie Benedicto, accompanied by two still-unidentified men. According to reports, they opened fire while passing the political hub, then quickly fled the scene.
The victims who didn’t make it were Albert Salimbot of Hacienda Macamig Pulo, Barangay E. Lopez, and Ronnie Piedad, 45, of Purok Ipil-ipil, Barangay Mambulac. They were declared dead on arrival at a local government hospital.
Seven others—Ruel Espinosa, Ric Ortillano, Wilfredo Cuello, Glenn Gutierrez, Ginray Guitche, Jason Belleza, and Joey Pomares—were rushed to Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, they were later transferred to a private hospital in Bacolod City.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, the newly installed director of the Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), didn’t hold back in condemning the violence.
“This kind of act has no place in our community,” Ibay said in a statement. “We want to assure everyone in Silay and the rest of the region that the situation is under control. We’re doing everything to catch those responsible.”
Hot pursuit operations are now in full swing. Checkpoints have been set up across Silay and neighboring areas to stop the suspects from getting away. Extra police forces are also on the ground to make sure things stay peaceful, especially with election season in the air.
A quick reaction team has been dispatched to back up Silay police in the ongoing manhunt.
It’s a tense time for Silay, but authorities are urging everyone to stay calm and vigilant. As investigations continue, the community is holding its breath, hoping justice will be swift and decisive.
May 12, 2025
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