By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A consultant for the provincial government of Negros Occidental was shot dead by unidentified assailants as he was leaving his office at the Emerald Arcade in Barangay Palampas in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on Monday night, April 12.
Authorities identified the fatality as 62-year-old Mariano Antonio “Marton” Cui, provincial consultant for hospital operations of Negros Occidental.
Police Colonel Romy Palgue, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), said based on the initial investigation carried out by San Carlos City police, Cui left his office at around 8:00 p.m. and was about to board his vehicle when he suddenly collapsed to the floor according to the victim’s bodyguards and several witnesses.
They soon learned that Cui had been shot as he was bleeding, prompting the bystanders to rush him to the San Carlos City District Hospital. Doctors tried to save his life but he succumbed to his wounds at around 9:00 p.m.
Cui has two gunshot wounds to the lower part of his neck.
San Carlos City police believe the gunman could be using a long range weapon, possibly a sniper rifle.
Cui’s bodyguards also told the police that they did not hear any gunshot, adding the possibility that the suspects used a silencer in order to muffle the weapon’s gunshot noise.
A review of the videos taken by nearby close circuit television (CCTV) cameras also revealed a white van fleeing the crime scene and heading towards the direction of Calatrava town after the shooting.
It is currently unclear as to what was the motive behind the capitol official’s assassination, however, they noted that they are currently eyeing politics as the main motive as prior to his murder there were rumors that Cui is planning to run as town mayor of Toboso in the 2022 elections.
Meanwhile, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson released a statement yesterday morning expressing shock and sadness over Cui’s murder.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of a dear friend Marton Cui. Marton was a fine gentleman and a mild mannered individual. I cannot understand why someone would do him harm,” Lacson said.
The governor also said that he had a talk with Cui’s family and his son, San Carlos City councilor Mark Cui, will request the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe his father’s death.
The provincial capitol grounds in Bacolod City have also placed the Philippine flag on half-mast as the provincial government mourns Cui’s death.
NOCPPO has also setup its own task force which will handle the investigation of the murder case.
Prior to becoming a provincial consultant, Cui previously served as chief of staff to former Negros Occidental 1st District Rep. Jules Ledesma.
He also served on behalf of the Ledesma family as a manager of the family’s estates, which included the Gamboa Hermanos./DGB, WDJ