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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Police eye gun-for-hire in Bacolod bizman's murder

Police eye gun-for-hire in Bacolod bizman's murder

Published Sep 10, 2025 10:52 pm
AUTHORITIES are probing the death of a 52-year-old businessman in Barangay 12, Bacolod City on Tuesday. (Police Station 1)
AUTHORITIES are probing the death of a 52-year-old businessman in Barangay 12, Bacolod City on Tuesday. (Police Station 1)


BACOLOD CITY - Authorities in this highly-urbanized city are investigating if the recent killing of a businessman was carried out by a hired gunman.
Police Capt. Francis Depasucat, head of Police Station 1, confirmed that the  gunman — one of three persons of interest — has  been identified by witnesses.
The suspect reportedly has a history of criminal cases, including attempted homicide and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Depasucat described the shooting as a “well-planned” and “treacherous” attack, noting that the victim was shot from behind in broad daylight, as he stepped out of his car to open his hardware store near a public market in Barangay 12 past 7 a.m.
The victim, 52-year-old engineer Romy, who ran a family-owned business, succumbed to a bullet wound in the head an hour later at a private hospital. His companion, who was still inside the vehicle during the attack, was unharmed.
Ballistics testing revealed that a special type of bullet was used in the assassination, further pointing to a professional hit.
While investigators are initially looking into business or personal motives, Depasucat said they are not ruling out other possibilities.
Contrary to earlier reports,  police clarified that the victim was a supplier and not a contractor.
Despite the progress in the case, Depasucat emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
He expressed hope that murder charges will be filed  once sufficient evidence is gathered.
Meanwhile, local business leader Frank Carbon urged caution in making public statements, but called the killing a “very brazen act” committed in public view.
He said they are waiting for an official report from the police before releasing a formal statement.
In response to the incident, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) assured the public that the situation is under control.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, stated that all necessary security measures have been implemented.
Citywide alerts have been issued, manhunt operations are ongoing, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies is in full swing.
“We assure the Bacolodnons and the entire Negros Island Region that your police are on top of the situation,” Ibay said, adding that the investigation is being pursued aggressively to bring swift justice to the victim.
Authorities  urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by reporting any information that could assist in solving the case.

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Bacolod City Businessman Murder Deaths Crime
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