A dead woman was found sprawled near the rearmost pew of a church in Liloan town, Cebu Province Friday morning, October 24, 2025.
She was found at the backmost portion of the San Fernando El Rey Parish Church.
The woman sustained a wound on the head and abrasions on the neck. Blood oozed reportedly from her nose.
She was taken to the hospital in Danao City but was pronounced there dead on arrival.
The body was found at about 9 a.m. A scream was heard reportedly from inside that alerted persons outside of the church.
“Kadtong naninda'g kandila niingon naay babaye misiyagit. Nakakita sila kadtong naninda'g kandila nga naay lalaki nagkawo, nagsinina itom, nidagan pagawas. Wa na mi kakuan, gisubay man to sa mga tanod ang palibot, wa na nila naabti,” a church staff member said.
At about the time the scream was heard, the place was almost deserted after the 6 a.m. Holy Mass.
"Pagsud namo hibung ko naa man lalaki nga naglingkod naghinuktok, wa ko kita sa babaye, paglipot naa nako sa offering table diha nahibung ko naa man nagbuy-od pero layo ra jud ko…ang ako nakit-an iyang ilong nagkadugo,” a cleaning person said.
After the Holy Mass, the only persons in the area are members of the cleaning staff.
No one in the area is familiar with the dead woman.
“Naa siya injury sa ulo bitaw. Naa pod traces sa liog which maoy hinungdan sa kamatayon base sa iyang death certificate,” said Police CMS Arni Goc-ong, chief investigator of the Liloan Police Station.
Liloan Police are delving into the incident in an ongoing investigation, as of posting time.
The motive of the crime, however, was not established yet, pending the identification of the perpetrator. The only detail determined was that the man was about 30 years old.
As of this writing, police are reviewing CCTV footages for clues.
“Ang among gusto mahibaw-an kadto iyang kuyog og kinsa to, unsa'y connection niya sa hitabo ba kay dako'g possibility nga naa to siya'y kalabutan sa krimen…basin og nagkalalis siya sa iyang kuyog mao to nga gituok siya kay naa man nakadungog,” Goc-ong added.
The regular weekday Holy Mass at 12:15 p.m. proceeded, but several churchgoers admitted that the news on crime perpetrated in a supposed holy place bothers them.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF SAN FERNANDO EL REY PARISH CHURCH
A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Larida, moderator of the team of pastors at San Fernando El Rey Parish, and released evening on October 24, 2025 reads:
"We would like to inform everyone that an unfortunate incident occurred earlier today, October 24, 2025, within the premises of San Fernando El Rey Parish, Liloan."
"The matter is now under investigation, and the parish is fully cooperating with the proper authorities to ensure that justice and due process are served."
"In light of this, all Holy Masses and parish activities will be temporarily held at the Parish Pastoral Center until further notice."
"We ask for your understanding and continued cooperation during this time. Let us also join together in prayer for peace, healing, and for all those affected by this distressing event."
"May our faith in Christ be our source of strength and comfort in these difficult moments."
"Thank you for your compassion and continued support."
