Former Silay City Mayor Carlo Gamban was found dead inside his house in the city yesterday afternoon.

Silay police chief, Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca, said the 85-year-old former mayor had bullet wounds on his head past 2:00 p.m.

A slug and a revolver of unknown caliber were recovered from the scene, Darroca added.

These will be subjected to a ballistic examination.

Gamban’s two helpers heard a gunshot before the incident, Darroca said.

The local police are probing a possible case of accidental firing.

They believed there was no foul play in Gamban’s death.

Darroca said the former local chief executive’s remains are scheduled to undergo a post-mortem examination.

Gamban had been suffering from an illness for about three weeks now, he added.

He was mayor of Silay City from 2001 to 2007.

An investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego expressed sadness about the incident.

“Mayor Gamban was more than a public servant; he was a beacon of wisdom, humility and dedication to our community. His leadership left an indelible mark on Silay City, and his selfless service continues to inspire us,” Gallego said in a statement.

“I will always cherish his thoughtful advice and unwavering support. He was a mentor to many, including myself, and his guidance will remain a source of strength as we continue to strive for progress in our city,” he added./WDJ