Church condemns killing of longtime driver in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod Cosmopolitan Christian Church has condemned the fatal shooting of Efren Banaglorioso, a 59-year-old church driver from Barangay Granada who served the congregation for over three decades.

BCCC Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Sequitin expressed deep sorrow over the loss, standing in solidarity with Banaglorioso’s family and denouncing the killing as a grave injustice.

He urged authorities to handle the case with urgency, fairness and integrity, emphasizing the church’s unwavering commitment to peace and justice.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we stand firmly against all forms of violence, oppression and injustice,” Sequitin said in a statement released through the church’s social media page Monday.

“We refuse to be silent in the face of wrongdoing.

“We affirm that truth will not be silenced and justice will not be denied.

“The peace of Christ will remain our foundation and our witness,” he added.

The church also called on the community to reject violence and uphold human dignity.

“We affirm the God-given dignity of every human life and declare that such acts of harm have no place among God’s people or within a just society,” the church said.

Banaglorioso was fatally shot in broad daylight outside the church by assailants in a black sports utility vehicle on Sunday.

Police are investigating the incident, considering mistaken identity or personal grudge as possible motives.

Church members mourned the loss as a deep wound to their community and continue to seek justice, calling for peace, accountability and unity in the face of violence.

“Today, we raise our voices together in prayer and in unity for our brother, Nong Efren, who recently became a victim of violence outside our very place of worship,” one church member wrote on social media.

“This is not only an attack on one man but a deep wound to our whole community.

“His dignity and life matter before God, and we urge that truth and accountability be pursued swiftly and fairly.”

They continue to pray for healing, peace and courage.

Mayor Greg Gasataya also condemned the killing and assured the public that lawlessness will not be tolerated.

“We will not allow fear to take hold of our streets,” he said in a statement.

Gasataya extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the church community.

He promised full support for the family and a thorough investigation in coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office.

“We remain fully committed to keeping our city safe,” the mayor said, adding that those responsible will face the full force of the law.