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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Religious leader killed in Agusan del Sur ambush

Religious leader killed in Agusan del Sur ambush

Published Aug 3, 2026 02:09 pm
ANDAYA case conference (PRO-13 FB)
ANDAYA case conference (PRO-13 FB)
BUTUAN CITY – A religious leader was killed and a tribal member was wounded in an ambush in Barangay Rizal, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on Friday afternoon, July 31.
Police identified the fatality as Pastor Balvino Andaya, 61, a leader of the Risen Christ Community Church, and the wounded as Avelino Cajandig, 59, a member of the Banwaon Manobo Talaandig Tribal Council (BAMATA-TC).
Investigation said the victims were traveling aboard a Mitsubishi Montero Sport from Barangay Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur when two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects opened fire at their vehicle.
The Sports Utility Vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a roadside sari-sari store.
The Police Regional Office-13 on Monday ordered an extensive investigation of the incident and manhunt against the suspects.
A case conference was held at the San Francisco Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV where investigators presented updates on the circumstances surrounding the incident, evidence gathered, intelligence developments, and the progress of ongoing investigative and follow-up operations.
Andaya died from multiple bullet wounds. Cajandig sustained a bullet wound and being treated in an undisclosed hospital.
Recovered from the area were several fired cartridge cases and fired bullets. These pieces of evidence were submitted for forensic and ballistic examinations
PRO-13 Public Information Office chief Police Lt. Col. Jennifer S. Ometer said hot-pursuit and follow-up operations are in full swing. “Our ground personnel are in round-the-clock operation to solve this incident,” Ometer added.
Magistrado activated “Oplan: Cure” to further strengthen operational support and sustain the manhunt for the perpetrators.
“We assure the public that PRO-13 is exhausting all available investigative and intelligence resources to ensure the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible for this senseless act of violence,” Magistrado said.
“We also call on anyone with information that may aid the investigation to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station. Together, we can ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.”
Ometer said PRO-13 remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering swift, impartial, and thorough investigations while upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of every community in the Caraga region.

Related Tags

Agusan del Norte Ambush Deaths Crime Murder San Francisco Talacogon Agusan del Sur
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