The silence of the San Fernando El Rey Church in Liloan, Cebu was shattered when the body of a woman was found on Friday night.
According to Police LtCol. Dindo Alaras of the Liloan Police Station, the victim was in his 30s. He had blood on his nose, a wound on the back of his head, and black marks on his neck. It is believed that there was a physical altercation inside the church before he died.
A candle vendor heard the woman's screams before the body was found. Witnesses also saw the victim with a man after mass. They tried to take her to the hospital but she was declared dead on arrival.
Police are continuing their investigation using the church's CCTV, while a hot pursuit operation is underway to find the suspect.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy announced the temporary closure of the church in respect of the incident. The parish also expressed its condolences and condemned the violent crime inside the house of worship.
