The former mayor of Silay City in Negros Occidental was confirmed dead inside his residence in Barangay 3.

Ex-mayor Carlo Gamban, 85 years old, was found to have sustained a gunshot wound on his head.

He was discovered dead inside his room past 3 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024.

“May narinig umanong putok sa silid. So tumawag sila ng ambulance. Hindi pumasok yung ambulance kasi may putok,” according to Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of the Silay City Police Station.

One of Gamban’s househelps told the police that prior to the incident, they were able to check him inside his room. He was said to be okay.

The police in an investigation disclosed that there were no issues or any commotion prior to the incident.

“Nagtanong kami kung ano ang surrounding circumstances noong maaga pa, sabi nila wala naman,” Lt. Col. Darroca added.

A .38-caliber weapon was recovered by the authorities inside his room.

Police have focused tightly on their investigation on an incident of accidental firing.

“Posibleng naaksidente sya. (Sa) ballistic examination, i-determine natin kung ang na-recover naming slug, same firearm na na-recover namin sa scene,” Darroca further said.

Incumbent Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego expressed grief at the former mayor’s death.

“It is with a heavy heart that I join the people of Silay City in mourning the passing of our beloved former Mayor Carlo Gamban.

“Mayor Gamban was more than a public servant; he was a beacon of wisdom, humility, and dedication to our community. His leadership left an indelible mark on Silay City, and his selfless service continues to inspire us.

“Let us honor his memory by upholding the values he held dear and working together to build the brighter future he envisioned for Silay City,””” Mayor Gallego said in an official statement.

Gamban served the city from 2001 to 2007.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas went to Gamban’s residence, but no one faced the news team to give a statement on the incident.