By CESAR JOLITO III

Three men were injured in unprovoked shooting incidents at Barangay Lantad in Negros Occidental’s Silay City, as authorities believe the suspect may have been hallucinating when he carried out the attacks.

Silay police chief Lt. Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca said the suspect — identified only as “Rohelyo” — was riding a motorcycle with an unidentified companion when he encountered the victims walking along the roadside.

The victims were identified as alias “Christopher,” 47 years old, a security guard and resident of the area; alias “Wilmer,” 45 years old, an e-bike driver from the same barangay; and alias “Hernando,” 52 years old, a theme park maintenance worker from Victorias City’s Barangay 7.

Darroca said Rohelyo reportedly first shot Christopher in the leg around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, without any provocation.

As the duo proceeded along Rizal Highway, they passed by Hernando and allegedly shot him in the stomach.

Moments later, while heading toward E.B. Magalona town, the suspects again opened fire — this time hitting Wilmer, who was riding his motorcycle, in the right buttock.

The suspects immediately fled and their direction of escape remains unknown, police said.

Darroca said, according to the suspect’s family, Rohelyo often exhibits signs of hallucination and paranoia.

Police are not discounting the possibility that the suspect may have been under the influence of illegal substances at the time of the attacks.

A hot pursuit operation is currently underway to locate and apprehend both suspects.

Meanwhile, all three victims are now in stable condition after receiving prompt medical treatment at a local hospital./CJ, WDJ