By CESAR JOLITO III
The brutal attack on three minors in Negros Occidental’s Silay City that left one child dead and two others hospitalized has drawn strong condemnation from leaders and communities across Negros, with authorities intensifying efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the incident has shocked the entire province, stressing that the violence against children will not be tolerated.
“The whole Negros community condemns this brutal act,” Lacson said yesterday, noting that law enforcement agencies moved swiftly and proactively after the attack.
Police confirmed that a person of interest has already been identified, with the Silay City Police Station working closely with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
According to Lacson, the identification of a suspect has made the offer of a reward for information unnecessary at this stage, as authorities are confident of an imminent arrest.
“We believe the suspect will soon be apprehended and made to answer for his actions,” the governor said.
Beyond the manhunt, provincial authorities are now prioritizing assistance to the victims’ family.
Lacson said the provincial government is coordinating support for the children’s mother, who recently returned from Saudi Arabia, where she worked to support her family.
One of the surviving victims remains unconscious and is in urgent need of blood, prompting the province to mobilize resources.
“We can tap the Philippine Red Cross or the Negros First Blood Center to address any immediate medical needs,” Lacson said.
Reward now P100,000
As the investigation deepens, a total reward of P100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those behind the attack, which occurred at Hacienda Badiang in Silay City’s Barangay E. Lopez.
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego pledged P25,000, calling the attack “a senseless act of violence that has broken our community’s heart.”
Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez added P50,000, declaring that “such cruelty has no place in our province.”
Former Talisay City Vice Mayor Samuel “Sam” Siote contributed the remaining P25,000, saying no family should endure such an unprovoked tragedy.
The incident claimed the life of a nine-year-old child and left two siblings injured, with emerging information indicating that one of the victims may have been targeted for assault.
Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay directed investigators to pursue the case thoroughly, underscoring the need for strong and airtight evidence due to the vulnerability of the victims.
“We will spare no effort to ensure justice is served for these children,” Ibay said./CJ, WDJ