2 patay, 5 sugatan sa pamamaril sa volunteers sa Silay, Negros Occidental

- Two individuals were killed and five others injured after Barangay Lantad Chairman Arnie Benedicto and two companions allegedly opened fire without provocation in Barangay Mambulac on May 12

- Authorities have identified Benedicto as one of the suspects and initiated pursuit operations, setting up checkpoints and deploying the Quick Reaction Team to assist in the manhunt, as per Manila Bulletin

- PRO-NIR has mobilized additional police forces and assigned a legal officer to support case buildup, ensuring public safety and a peaceful election process

- PRO-NIR chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay and Mayor Joedith Gallego strongly condemned the incident, calling for justice, calm, and respect during this critical time

Two individuals were killed and five others injured after an alleged unprovoked shooting in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental, on the morning of May 12.

The attack reportedly involved Barangay Lantad Chairman Arnie Benedicto and two companions, who allegedly opened fire as they passed through the area.

The fatalities have yet to be identified, while the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital

The suspects fled the scene, prompting ongoing pursuit operations by local authorities.

Videos shared by netizens showed several people lying on the ground, sparking widespread concern online.

Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay condemned the violence, assuring the public that the police are fully mobilized to capture the suspects and maintain peace.

“We strongly condemn this act of violence. The full force of the law is being applied to apprehend the suspects,” Ibay stated.

In response, PRO-NIR dispatched investigators to gather evidence and conduct witness interviews.

Checkpoints were established across Silay City and nearby municipalities, while the Quick Reaction Team was deployed to reinforce local police in the manhunt.

Additional personnel have also been mobilized to safeguard public safety amid the election period.

A legal officer was assigned to assist in case buildup and coordination with prosecutors.

Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, running for reelection, condemned the attack in a Facebook video, stating the victims were volunteers monitoring potential vote-buying. The same was reported by GMA News.

He called for calm and appealed for unity and respect among residents during this tense period.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In a previous report by KAMI, the Land Transportation Office has already taken action on the driver of the SUV that rammed people in NAIA Terminal 1. On their Facebook page, the agency said they put the driver's license on preventive suspension for 90 days while investigations are still ongoing. It can be recalled that the SUV suddenly accelerated, resulting in 2 casualties and a couple of people injured. An SCO has already been issued against the registered owner of the SUV and the driver involved in the tragic incident.

Additionally, the Overseas Filipino Worker, father of the 5-year-old girl victim in the NAIA Terminal 1 incident yesterday, has no longer proceeded to leave the country. In a report by GMA 7's 'Unang Balita,' he and other family members went to a Pasay funeral facility where the initial processing of the deceased victims was made. The OFW father of the girl victim personally took his daughter's remains and will be bringing them to Lipa City, Batangas.

Source: KAMI.com.gh