A hardware store owner was shot dead in Bonifacio Street, Bacolod City. 

Alias “Rom,” 52 years old, was shot fatally on the head at about 7 a.m. on September 9, 2025. 

“Nasa harapan ako. Narinig ko lang ang putok ng baril. Nagtakbuhan na. Nagulat ako,” David, a businessman in the area, said. 

Alias "Rom" was set to open his hardware store that morning when the incident happened.  

“Siya kasi ang nagbubukas tuwing darating siya. Mabuti siyang tao. Bata pa lang [ako], kilala ko na 'yan,” said Rudy, also a trader in the area. 

Based on accounts of a few witnesses to the police, a man was seen in the vicinity of the hardware store, apparently waiting for someone.  

"Naghintay talaga siya. Based on report, may getaway (vehicle) na naghihintay lang along Luzuriaga Street,” Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of Bacolod City Police Office, said. 

It was not determined yet, as of this writing, the exact direction that the vehicle traversed during the getaway. 

One of possible motives pursued by the police is related to the victim’s business. 

“Wala tayong report sa involvement ng biktima sa mga krimen. Pero may chini-check tayo na mga negosyo niya. Involvement niya sa mga kontrata, tinitingnan rin natin,” Coronica added. 

The family of the victim has not issued a statement yet, as of posting time.