Authorities are preparing to file charges in connection with the killing of a staff member of Bulacan 3rd District congressional candidate Victor Silverio and two others in an ambush last March 21, which Silverio believes may have been politically motivated.
In an interview during the Kapihan sa QC on Sunday, Silverio said he is not pointing fingers at his rivals but acknowledged that the timing and nature of the incident raise questions. “We never speculate. Kahit gaano karumi po na isang tao or magiging katunggali ko now or in the future, ayoko po na ako ‘yung nagtuturo,” he said. “You leave it to the general public to conduct their own investigation.”
Silverio is running against San Rafael Mayor Cholo Vialogo and independent candidate JG Agojo for the congressional seat currently held by his mother, Rep. Lorna Silverio.
The victims of the ambush were Bryan Villaflor, an IT staff member of Silverio and his mother, Villaflor’s partner, and a male security personnel. The attack occurred in Barangay Capihan, San Rafael, Bulacan. Police reports indicate that the victims were traveling in a black SUV when another SUV began tailing and eventually opened fire on them.
Following the incident, regional police established several checkpoints along Maharlika Highway and the Balagtas-San Rafael bypass road. Silverio also confirmed that he had requested additional security from the regional police office. “Of course, ca-cascade po ‘yan na regional to provincial police kung saan nabibigyan naman tayo paminsan-minsan ng escort,” he said.
The incident has left Silverio’s campaign team and his mother’s staff shaken and fearful. “Sa totoo lang, minsan napapag-usapan naming kampanya ba ‘tong pinasok natin o giyera?” he added.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has previously flagged election-related violence concerns, placing 36 areas across the country under its “red” category, which signifies grave concern and serious armed threats. Another 156 areas are considered “orange,” indicating immediate concern due to potential violence.
Authorities have yet to confirm the specific motive behind the ambush, but the case is being pursued actively as the midterm elections draw closer.
