Tragic Killing Shakes Bacolod City Community
BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Friends and relatives are demanding justice after the shocking killing of a church worker in broad daylight outside the Bacolod Cosmopolitan Christian Church. The fatal incident occurred in Barangay Taculing on Sunday, August 25, drawing widespread sorrow and calls for accountability.
Efren Banaglorioso, 59, the driver-worker of the Bacolod Cosmopolitan Christian Church, was shot dead at 11:20 a.m. just as the Sunday service was concluding. The killing in Bacolod City stunned churchgoers and residents alike, igniting grief across the community.
Details of the Killing in Bacolod City
According to local police officials, Banaglorioso had just stepped out of the church gate and was standing near a parked vehicle when a black Mitsubishi Montero SUV made a sudden U-turn and stopped beside him. Witnesses reported that a masked man wearing a multi-colored long-sleeved shirt emerged from the back seat and fired multiple shots.
The victim was hit in the head, back, and chest, succumbing instantly. The assailant quickly fled the scene in the waiting vehicle. Police recovered six empty shell casings from an unidentified firearm at the crime site.
Possible Motive and Investigation
Police Captain Rosalindo Pugoy Jr., head of Station 6, suggested the killing could be a case of mistaken identity, as Banaglorioso had no known criminal record or ties to illicit activities. Community members echoed this, emphasizing the victim’s clean reputation.
Witnesses also noted the gunman’s vehicle had been parked in front of a nearby antique store for some time before the attack. When Banaglorioso exited the church, the vehicle moved closer, enabling the shooter to disembark and carry out the attack.
Community Reaction and Legacy
Banaglorioso, a father of four, had served the church faithfully for 37 years. Local leaders, including Granada Barangay Captain Armando Vito, confirmed that he was a respected resident with no known enemies or bad records in the barangay.
The sudden loss deeply affected churchgoers, many of whom were seen weeping after the incident. One of the bullets even struck the windshield of a nearby parked car, underscoring the violence of the attack.
As investigations continue, the community remains united in seeking justice for the slain church worker. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to help solve this tragic case.
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