A church treasurer was shot this morning, Nov. 6, near the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this city’s Licoan area, Julio Pacana St., local authorities reported.
The victim, identified as church treasurer Benjamin Mendez, was rushed to a nearby hospital. His current condition is unknown, as of this posting.
Police have cordoned off the area near the church compound with crime scene tape as personnel gathered evidence.
Early accounts from social media broadcasts suggested the shooting may be linked to an alleged financial dispute involving church funds. The shooter is reportedly a fellow church member.
According to a live broadcast by Juander Radyo-Cagayan de Oro, the incident followed a conflict where Mendez was reportedly discouraging other church members from making donations to the church.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots.
Mendez’s son, Jediah Mendez, confirmed to Magnum Radio that his father had previously received several death threats from the suspect and had filed a legal complaint against him.
“Natingala ko nganong nakasulod sya (referring to the suspect) nga terminated naman na. Naa man sila’y kaso,” the younger Mendez said, expressing confusion that the suspect was able to enter the premises given his status.
The suspect, who reportedly fled the scene in his Toyota Vios, has surrendered to the office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The authorities have yet to name the suspect who is now under their custody. (With reports from Shiela Mae Butlig)
