Silay City Home Attack Leaves 9-Year-Old Girl Dead, Siblings Injured
A tragic incident has shaken the community of Silay City in Negros Occidental, where a nine-year-old girl lost her life and her two siblings sustained injuries during a violent attack inside their family home. The assault occurred on February 7, 2026, in Barangay E. Lopez, prompting immediate police response and community outrage.
Details of the Violent Incident
According to police reports from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the attack took place around 11:30 a.m. while the three children were alone in their house. The victims include the deceased nine-year-old girl, her 14-year-old sister, and their three-year-old brother. Their father discovered the horrifying scene upon returning home, finding all three minors injured in their room.
The children were rushed to Teresita Jandoni Provincial Hospital for emergency treatment. Tragically, despite medical efforts, the nine-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries. Her siblings remain under medical care as they recover from the traumatic assault.
Family Background and Police Investigation
The victims' family circumstances add another layer of tragedy to this case. Their mother is currently working overseas as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), while their father is employed in Bacolod City. This separation made the children particularly vulnerable during the daytime attack.
PRO-NIR Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay has ordered a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the killing. "The investigation must be thorough, objective, and evidence-based, especially considering that the victims are minors," Ibay emphasized. He has directed the Silay City Police Station to pursue all leads and ensure justice is served for the young victims.
Community Response and Reward Offers
Local officials have responded strongly to the brutal crime. Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego has offered a P25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Additionally, Negros Occidental Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez has contributed another P50,000 reward, bringing the total to P75,000 for credible information that could solve the case.
Both Mayor Gallego and Representative Benitez have publicly condemned the violent attack, expressing solidarity with the grieving family. The police have appealed to witnesses and anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist authorities in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator.
Police Commitment and Family Condolences
Brigadier General Ibay expressed his deepest condolences to the victims' family, particularly acknowledging the devastating loss of a young child. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We assure them that the police will exert all efforts to uncover the truth behind this incident and hold those responsible accountable," he stated.
The Silay City Police Station continues its follow-up investigation, working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the attack and identify potential suspects. As the community mourns this senseless tragedy, authorities remain determined to bring the perpetrator to justice and provide closure for the affected family.
