CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A treasurer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was shot Thursday morning inside the church compound along Julio-Pacana Street, Barangay Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City.
The victim, identified as Benjamin Mendez, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital following the attack. His current condition remains undisclosed as of press time.
Initial police reports revealed that the suspected gunman, identified as Jimboy Abista, is a fellow church member. Witnesses said multiple gunshots were heard near the church premises shortly before the suspect fled aboard a Toyota Vios.
According to the victim’s son, Jediah Mendez, his father had been receiving death threats from the suspect prior to the incident. He added that his father had previously filed a legal complaint against Abista over alleged irregularities involving church funds.
Police said Abista, who was reportedly suspended from church duties due to financial misconduct, later surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Authorities have cordoned off the area as they continue to gather ballistic evidence and interview witnesses.
Investigators are now determining the motive behind the shooting, but early information points to a lingering conflict over alleged misuse of church money.
The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office assured the public that a full investigation is underway to ensure justice for the victim.