Update: The names of the 7 bakery workers involved in the tragic Antipolo case have surfaced. Their stories and backgrounds touched the hearts of many.

The quiet city of Antipolo, known for its serene hills and close-knit communities, is now the center of a heartbreaking story that has shocked the nation. On April 22, 2025, a gruesome incident inside a small neighborhood bakery left seven innocent workers dead. As authorities released the names and backgrounds of the victims, waves of grief swept through the community, revealing not just a crime, but a deep human tragedy.

A Community in Mourning

The seven victims—humble, hardworking, and deeply rooted in their local neighborhoods—were not just names on a list. They were fathers, sons, brothers, and friends. Most of them worked long hours baking bread and pastries that fed hundreds of Antipolo residents daily. Their days would start before dawn, kneading dough and preparing ingredients to meet the demands of loyal customers.

Neighbors described them as “quiet and kind,” “always smiling,” and “never causing any trouble.” Some of them had worked in the bakery for years, forming a bond not only with each other but with the entire community.

Victims’ Profiles: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Grief

Though police did not initially disclose the identities, they have now confirmed the names and brief profiles of the seven victims:

Daniel Ramos, 45 — a father of three who had been working at the bakery for over a decade. His eldest daughter was about to graduate from college.

Marco de Leon, 29 — described by coworkers as a “gentle giant” with a passion for cooking. He recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend.

Ricky Santos, 38 — known for his humor and hard work, he was helping support his aging parents.

Elmer Cruz, 33 — a quiet, reserved man who often sent money back to his family in the province.

Jerome Vidal, 26 — the youngest of the group, full of dreams and plans to start his own small eatery someday.

Luis Mendoza, 41 — a senior baker with exceptional skill, respected for his craftsmanship.

Noel Carreon, 36 — a father of two and considered the “kuya” (big brother) of the team, often mentoring younger workers.

These were not just victims—they were stories waiting to be told, lives cut short too soon.

The Suspect and His Claim

The suspect, 32-year-old Bogart Ramirez, was not a stranger to the group. In fact, he was one of the bakery’s co-owners and worked side by side with the men he later claimed were plotting against him. After voluntarily surrendering to authorities, Ramirez claimed that he overheard a plan by the workers to kill him in his sleep. Acting out of fear, he said, he struck first.

Authorities remain skeptical of the claim, especially since none of the victims had any recorded issues or disciplinary problems. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams examining the crime scene, CCTV footage, and autopsy results.

Eyewitness Account Adds More Questions

A local resident who lives directly behind the bakery said she was awakened by muffled screams and sounds of struggle around 3:00 AM. “I thought someone was drunk, maybe fighting. But then I heard the screaming stop. It was terrifyingly quiet after that,” she told reporters.

It wasn’t until morning that the horrifying truth came to light. Police who entered the bakery described a “scene of unimaginable violence,” suggesting the victims were attacked while sleeping.

Public Outcry and Emotional Support

As the news spread, an outpouring of grief followed. Candles, flowers, and handwritten messages have been placed outside the bakery. Many who didn’t even know the victims personally came forward to donate to their families, offer support, and attend community vigils held in their memory.

“I bought pan de sal from them every morning. I can’t believe they’re gone,” one resident said, holding back tears.

Mental health professionals and trauma counselors have been dispatched to the area to help those affected by the emotional toll of the event, especially the victims’ families and coworkers who were not present during the tragedy.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Ramirez is currently in police custody and undergoing psychiatric evaluation. Charges of multiple counts of murder have been filed, and his legal team has expressed intent to plead mental instability. However, the community is demanding full accountability and justice for the seven lives lost.

The case is expected to proceed to trial within the next few months, and prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the maximum penalty allowed by law.

A City Forever Changed

Antipolo, a city rarely in the headlines for crime, now bears the weight of a story that has captivated national attention. Yet beyond the headlines and investigations lies a deeper sorrow: seven families left with an unfillable void, and a city still asking why.

For now, the smell of freshly baked bread has been replaced with silence, flowers, and unanswered prayers.