THE INFAMOUS shooting incident in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental during the May 12 elections continues to grow more complicated and disturbing.
Two individuals were killed, and seven others were injured in what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared an election-related incident.
Initially identified as the suspect and alleged gunman was Arnie “Cookie” Benedicto, barangay captain of Lantad, Silay.
A known leader of Team Asenso, Benedicto surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the province just hours after the bloody incident.
Police confirmed that Benedicto tested positive for ammonium nitrate (gunpowder) in a paraffin test.
Charges Filed
Fast forward: police revealed that three more individuals are suspected to have been involved in the shooting, but their names remain undisclosed.
Soon after, Colonel Rainerio de Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), confirmed to this columnist that charges of double murder, violation of the Comelec gun ban, and other related offenses were filed against Benedicto and the three unnamed suspects before the City Prosecutor’s Office in Silay.
But as of this writing — one month and eight days later — the prosecutor’s office has yet to decide whether to dismiss the charges or elevate them to the regular courts.
In short, the case is in limbo. Without a court-issued commitment order, CIDG cannot detain Benedicto in jail.
This was clearly explained by Colonel Arwin Tadeo, director of CIDG–Negros Island Region, during a press briefing on June 17. He said they are simply waiting for the court’s directive to formally commit Benedicto to jail.
Super Delay
Now, if you ask the police, they’ll tell you the ball is in the prosecutor’s court. And that’s true.
But here’s the question: Why such a super delay?
Is there political interference at play? We hope not.
Another question: What about the families of the two men who died — Ronnie Piedad and Albert Salimbot — and the seven who were injured? They suffered simply because of politics.
A Cry for Justice
Is justice forthcoming? Based on what I’ve heard, it doesn’t seem so.
But I won’t jump to conclusions — at least not yet. Let’s wait for the prosecutor’s final decision.
Now, what is Mayor Joedith Gallego’s next move?
His re-election victory is proof that Silaynons put their trust and sympathy in him. The mayor must now lead the cry for justice.
I came across a powerful quote from American speculative fiction writer Lois McMaster Bujold: “The dead cannot cry out for justice. It is the duty of the living to do so for them.”
The families of Piedad and Salimbot are poor. And that’s why Mayor Gallego must take it upon himself to help them obtain justice.
No Joke
Double murder is no joke. The deaths of Piedad and Salimbot have already left an indelible scar on Silay’s political history. This tragedy will resurface in the public’s memory every election — local or national.
And if ever their deaths are “buried in forgetfulness,” surely, Silaynons will not simply let that pass. The quest for justice — whether silent or loud — matters.
Social media moves fast. Netizens can be quick to judge. But beyond that, heaven is watching. Angels are listening.
Justice for Piedad and Salimbot equals peace. And the kind of peace born out of justice is priceless.
If Mayor Gallego truly wants peace in his city, he must work for justice. For Piedad. For Salimbot. Nothing more, nothing less./PN
