Negros Occidental provincial consultant shot dead

The provincial consultant on hospital operations of the Negros Occidental government was shot to death in Barangay Palampas, San Carlos City Monday night, April 12.

Marton Cui of Barangay 1, San Carlos City was about to board his vehicle from his office when an unidentified gunman shot him from long range. The victim was hit in the chest.

The suspect then fled, while the police were conducting pursuit operations.

The victim was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have yet to establish the motive for the killing.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a statement Tuesday, April 13, said, “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of a dear friend Marton Cui. Marton was a fine gentleman, mild manner individual, I cannot understand why someone would do him harm.”

He also said that Cui, who was a loyal and trusted man of former Negros Occidental representative Jules Ledesma, was “a pillar of strength for our political group in the first district, preferred to work behind the scene, not wanting any credit to him.”

“I really hope that unlike similar incidents before, the triggerman, the mastermind and the reason why this was done, could be established,” Lacson, a former mayor of San Carlos City, said.

The flag at the provincial capitol was lowered to half-mast.

San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said he was “shocked” as this was “totally unexpected.”

“As your pastor, I strongly condemn this abominable assault on the primacy and sanctity of human life! His death is another mark of senselessness on the use of violence against human life. When will these killings stop? This culture of death must end,” the prelate said.

He also said that the police “must be resolute in solving the crimes and acts of violence with due diligence, assuring our people of the need of a secured society.”

“We wish to convey to the beloved family of Sir Marton and to all San Carloseños, especially those who were touched by his life and works and who grieve for such great loss,” he said. – Rappler.com