The suspect in the slay of a woman inside a church in Liloan, Cebu is found to be her own husband. 

The couple was reportedly in domestic trouble, based on the account of their own son. 

As of this writing, police are tracking down the suspect. 

A closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of San Fernando El Rey Parish taken morning on October 24, 2025 saw the couple seated at the rearmost portion of the church. Later, the two had a verbal tussle. The two stood up, the man hit the woman and strangled her. The woman fell on the floor. 

“Nag-istoryahanay sila, nagkalalis, moaksyon og lakaw ang lalaki, gitawag na sad sa babaye, unya aksyon ka-okay kay moagbay na sad ang lalaki, suko napod kay giwakli napod sa babaye hangtod nga na-trigger gitook ug napakong,” said Police Lt. Col. Dindo Juanito Alaras, chief of Liloan Police.

Hower, according to police, it could not be determined yet whether there was an attempt to revive the woman, or if she was hit again while sprawled on the floor. 

The couple was identified by their own child with the use of the CCTV footage.

It was also learned that the couple came from Camotes Island.

"Ang information is medyo naay problema sa panghunahuna ang suspek, this is according to the son,” Alaras added.

A few months back, the suspect was imprisoned in Negros Occidental for violation of Republic Act 9262, or the  Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act, based on a complaint filed by his wife.

"Daan nang gireklamo sa iyang asawa og VAWC, [R.A.] 9262. Unya napriso. Wala mi kahibawo unsa’y rason gipiyansahan ra siya sa iyang asawa, gipiyansahan sa victim pag-September, di pa kaayo dugay, nagkauli sila bag-o lang,” Alaras said further.

Meanwhile, the church has remained closed based on an order issued by the Achdiocese of Cebu. The closure will give way to the rite of reparation and the offering of prayers, after the incident desecrated the church.

While waiting for the reopening of San Fernando El Rey Parish Church, Holy Masses on weekdays will be offered at the pastoral center, while Sunday Masses will be celebrated at the sports complex.