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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Seventh-day Adventist Church treasurer shot dead

Seventh-day Adventist Church treasurer shot dead

Published Nov 7, 2025 10:24 pm

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A pastor who shot to death their treasurer at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is now under police custody, according to a report Friday.

The SDA North-Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC) said in a statement that Pastor Chosen Gem Abesta, 37, of Manticao, Misamis Oriental, has surrendered to the police.

Abesta reportedly killed Benjamin Mendez, 65, a resident of Zone 8, Barangay Bulua here, at the SDA compound shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday.

"We denounce all forms of violence and reaffirm our belief in the sanctity of life as a gift from God. This heartbreaking event has caused great pain to our church community," the SDA NCMC said in a statement.

The police said the shooting was likely driven by internal issues after Abesta expressed concerns about his service benefits through an online video.

Investigators reported that the victim sustained a fatal bullet wound in the body from a .45 caliber pistol, resulting in his immediate death.

Police Capt. Emelita Simon, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office spokesperson, said the suspect fled after the shooting but later surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Northern Mindanao headquarters in this city. (PNA)

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Crime Shooting Murder Deaths Cagayan de Oro City Seventh-day Adventist Church
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