Businessman slain in front of barangay hall in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A businessman was fatally shot in front of the Barangay Estefania hall here yesterday, with the motive still unclear.

The man, identified as Elson Cepeda from the local area and owner of a bar, was with his wife returning home in their SUV when they stopped at a convenience store.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage shared on social media hours after the shooting depicted two unidentified individuals lingering outside the store, apparently waiting for Cepeda.

As Cepeda approached his vehicle, the assailants opened fire. Despite his efforts to escape, their relentless shooting resulted in his collapse.

Following the attack, the two suspects fled the scene in a car, leaving Cepeda’s wife unscathed.

Cepeda was pronounced dead upon arrival at Riverside Medical Center, according to Police Captain Francis Depasucat of Police Station 4.

“The possibility that the suspects had been following the victim is being considered,” Depasucat revealed, noting a call reporting the shooting was received at approximately 4:20 a.m.

At the scene, police found spent bullets from firearms of various calibers. The investigation continues as further details are sought.