BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya strongly condemned the shooting incident that claimed the life of a prominent Filipino-Chinese businessman, Romy Yu Li, 52, early Tuesday morning, Sept. 9, 2025, at the Central Market area.
“The senseless act of violence has no place in Bacolod City,” said Gasataya in a statement as he expressed his outrage over the tragic killing.
Li, owner of Emerald Republic Hardware Inc. and a resident of Barangay Taculing, was shot dead at around 7:50 a.m. while preparing to open his hardware store on Bonifacio Street, Barangay 12.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), led by City Director Joeresty Coronica, has launched a full investigation into the incident, mobilizing all necessary resources to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“The city extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and is committed to supporting them during this difficult time,” the mayor said.
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Gasataya is set to meet with leaders of the Filipino Chinese community and BCPO City Director Coronica on Thursday, Sept. 11, to address concerns regarding safety and security in the city.
“Bacolod City maintains zero tolerance for violence. There shall be no leniency and no refuge for those who seek to disrupt the safety and peace of our city,” stressed Gasataya.
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Capt. Francis Depasucat, Bacolod Police Station 1 chief, said Li was shot in the back of the head by an unidentified assailant using an unknown caliber firearm.
Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots. The victim was rushed to Riverside Medical Center but was pronounced dead.
The gunman, wearing blue shorts and a mask, fled the scene in a sport utility vehicle (SUV) without a plate number, accompanied by a driver and another person.
The police continue to investigate the motive and gather evidence to track down the suspects.
