• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
An owner of a construction hardware store and a contractor-supplier in Bacolod City was shot dead in front of his store at Bonifacio Street, Barangay 12, in broad daylight yesterday.
The victim was identified as Romy Li, a 52-year-old Filipino-Chinese businessman and owner of Bacolod Republic Hardware Inc.
PCapt. Francis Depasucat, station commander of Police Station 1, confirmed that Li was a contractor-supplier.
Initial investigation showed that Li was supposed to open his store when an armed man suddenly approached him and shot him twice at the back of his head, using a firearm of unknown caliber.
According to the testimony of an unnamed witness who was in the area during the incident, at least three suspects, riding in an SUV (sports utility vehicle), were involved in the attack. They added that the victim’s mother was also approaching him. However, before she reached his son, the unidentified suspect shot him in the head, which resulted in immediate death.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound on the back of his head and was brought by a BFP ambulance to the Riverside Hospital for medical treatment. The victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
Witnesses said that the suspects fled the scene onboard a SUV without license plates.
Bacolod City Police Office Director PCol. Joeresty Coronica said they already have the initial information on the assailant, while the motive of the crime is yet to be determined. He added that they are investigating the businesses of the victim, and their contracts with other businesses, for additional information.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya condemned the killing, stating that “this senseless act of violence has no place in Bacolod City.”
Gasataya stated that the city had scheduled a meeting with the Filipino-Chinese community and the BCPO on Thursday to discuss and hear the concerns of the community, particularly on safety and security.*
