By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has yet to establish a motive behind the recent shooting and death of businessman Alex Yao.

BCPO spokesperson, Police Chief Inspector Ariel Pico, said investigators are currently considering his business, possible competition, or personal grudges as possible motives.

The police official said the Redemptorist Church, where Yao was killed, has closed-circuit television footage of the incident, however, they are unable to retrieve the data as it can only be accessed by the parish priest, who is currently out of town.

The BCPO spokesperson said the parish priest is scheduled to return on Saturday.

Pico added, Yao’s wife, Maria Theresa, is in good condition and is currently recovering at a private hospital in the city.

He noted, based on initial interviews with Yao’s wife, she said her husband did not receive any threats prior to the incident.

Police Station 2, meanwhile, confirmed they have five witnesses who may be able to provide clues on the identities of the gunmen.

Yao and his wife were shot last Tuesday night as they were leaving the Redemptorist Church following a prayer meeting. According to witnesses, two assailants wearing black jackets and bonnets were waiting in the church’s parking lot. One of the suspects approached Yao’s vehicle, open fired, and sped off on a motorcycle.

The husband and wife were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital following the incident, although Yao died after sustaining three gunshot wounds.

Yao’s wife, meanwhile, sustained a gunshot wound to her left hand.

Cops recovered three empty .45 caliber shells on the crime scene./DGB, WDJ