Murder and frustrated murder charges were filed against a barangay captain and three unidentified persons for the shooting incident on Election Day that left two dead and seven injured in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, a police official said on Wednesday, May 14.
The charges were filed against Barangay Captain Arnie Benedicto of Lantad, Silay City, and three John Does following inquest proceedings before the Silay City Prosecutor’s Office, Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Negros Occidental police provincial director and Special Investigation Task Group Silay head, said.
The barangay captain requested a preliminary investigation, de Chavez said.
Killed in the shooting incident were Albert Salimbot and Ronnie Piedad, 47, of Silay City.
Wounded were Ruel Espinosa, 42; Rick Ortillano, 46; Wilfredo Cuello, 46; Jason Belleza; Joey Pomares; Glenn Gutierrez, 49; and Ginray Guitche, 32, all of Silay City.
Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego said the victims were his volunteer watchdogs against vote buying who were shot while on the side of a road in front of a house believed to be a headquarters of Team Asenso Silay.
He said they were in the area to look into reports of alleged vote buying.
Lawyer Jose Edward Davila, legal counsel Team Asenso Silay, said Benedicto who voluntarily surrendered denied that he was the gunman.
Benedicto remains in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, de Chavez said.*