BACOLOD CITY – A shooting incident in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City on election day did not stop residents from casting their votes and choosing their city leaders.
The gun attack on Monday left two people dead and seven others wounded.
Despite the incident, the City Board of Canvassers proceeded with the proclamation of winners the following day after all ballots were counted.
Incumbent Mayor Joedith Gallego and Vice Mayor Thomas Ledesma won re-election during the May 2025 polls.
Gallego defeated former Mayor Mark Golez in the mayoral race.
His running mate, Councilor Ryan Gamboa, lost to Ledesma in the vice mayoral contest.
In a Facebook post, Gallego thanked Silaynons for their continued trust and support.
He also honored the bravery of the shooting victims, saying they helped safeguard clean and honest governance.
“This is all for you,” he wrote.
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) assessed the elections in the region as generally peaceful.
Police said the Silay shooting was an isolated case and remains under investigation.
One of the three alleged suspects, a barangay captain, has surrendered to authorities.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson for the local elections, said charges are being prepared against the suspects.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Silay was formed to probe what authorities believe may be an election-related case.
Despite the violence, the elections across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor were largely calm and orderly.
Voters were able to freely and safely exercise their right to vote, reflecting the strength of the democratic process.
PRO-NIR credited the successful outcome to strong coordination among the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other stakeholders.
The agency commended security forces, election officials, volunteers and citizens for ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
About 7,000 police, military and Coast Guard personnel were deployed across the region to maintain peace and order during the elections. (Glazyl Jopson via tdg)