Silay City: Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia expressed his hope that the fatal Election Day shooting incident in Silay City, Negros Occidental serves as a significant lesson, not only for the barangay involved but for the entire Negros Island Region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized during a press conference at Seda Capitol Central, held on the sidelines of Comelec's post-election evaluation in Negros Occidental, that the case stemming from the Silay City incident will be handled properly and resolved promptly. Garcia asserted that despite the violence in Silay City during the last national and local elections, it should not dictate Comelec's approach in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. supported Garcia's statement, noting that while the Silay City incident will not influence Comelec's actions regarding election violence, it will remain a reference point for addressing vote-buying. Maceda highlighted the vigilance of Silay City citizens against potential vote-buying during the incident, acknowledging the tragic loss of lives.

Maceda further stated that to honor the sacrifices made, Comelec will focus on ensuring such incidents do not repeat in the BSKE, particularly in the affected area. The incident, which occurred around 7 a.m. on May 12, involved Lantad village chief Arnie Benedicto and unidentified men who allegedly fired guns in front of a political headquarters, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries. The victims were reportedly monitoring for alleged vote-buying activities.

Benedicto and three others have been charged with murder and frustrated murder.