THE third suspect in the Election Day shooting in Silay City, Negros Occidental was arrested by the police in Barangay Rizal, Silay City on Thursday, May 28. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – Police have arrested the second and last suspect in May 12, 2025 elections shooting in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) spokesperson, identified the suspect as 43-year-old Clar from La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Clar was arrested on warrants for six counts of frustrated murder and two counts of attempted murder issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Silay City on April 16.
He was classified by police as No. 1 most wanted person on the regional level.
Police arrested 32-year-old Joseph, also from La Castellana, in Barangay 4, Silay City on April 29. Joseph was the second most wanted person in the city level for frustrated murder and attempted murder.
The court recommended a P1.4 million bail for each suspect.
The PRO-NIR said the suspects allegedly affiliated with an opposing political group figured in a heated altercation with members of another party during Election Day in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City.
The confrontation escalated into a shooting incident, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, and injured eight others.
Garcia said the suspects were charged based on their alleged participation to the crime.
Police have not determined why they were in Silay City despite being residents of La Castellana.
Barangay Lantad, Silay City Captain Arnie Benedicto, who was tagged as primary suspect in the incident, surrendered to the police a few hours after the incident and charged with murder.
Police said witnesses allegedly saw Benedicto firing a weapon before fleeing with his companions on board a van he drove.
Benedicto is still under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection (CIDG)-Negros Occidental. He has not issued any statement regarding the allegations.
The PRO-NIR said their arrest marked a significant accomplishment in their relentless pursuit of fugitives and demonstrated their unwavering resolve to ensure that individuals facing criminal charges are brought before the bar of justice.