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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Pastor probed for murder of 2 women in Pangasinan

Pastor probed for murder of 2 women in Pangasinan

Published Apr 5, 2021 03:35 pm

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan – Two women were killed in an ambush in Barangay Nancayasan here on Easter Sunday.

Police are now investigating a 62-year-old pastor over the incident pulled by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Investigators said Benjamin Mangalonzo, a pastor of Save by Grace Full Gospel Manila and a resident of Tondo, Manila, was held by police after he gave inconsistent statements regarding the killing of  Francisca Menesis Peralta, 86, and her daughter, Demetria, 49, of Barangay Patayac, Sta. Barbara, this province.

Police said the pastor, a close friend of Demetria, will also be subjected to a paraffin test as part of the investigation.

Initial police report said the two victims and the pastor were all riding a black Mitsubishi Montero Sports Utility Vehicle on the diversion road in Barangay Nancayasan at about 9 p.m. when four unidentified armed men on board two motorcycles cut their path and opened fire at them.

The mother and daughter sustained bullet  wounds and were declared dead on arrival at the Urdaneta District Hospital in Barangay Dilan-paurido here.

Mangalonzo survived the attack unscathed.

Police learned that the pastor and Demetria had received death threats prior to the ambush.

“Bilang na ang mga araw mo,” read a text message received by the pastor last March, according Police Staff Sgt. Darwin Cacho, officer-on-case.

The pastor admitted to police that he and Demetria were very close friends and that she has been undergoing annulment proceedings which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cacho said they have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.

The pastor is now under the custody of the police.

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