World · Philippines Bureau
Village official and pastor discovered slain in Cagayan mountains
The bodies of a village councilor and evangelical pastor were found dumped in a remote mountainous area of Cagayan province over the weekend. Authorities are investigating the deaths as potential criminal incidents.
LSN Philippines ·
TUGUEGARAO CITY — The bodies of a village councilor and church pastor were discovered in a mountainous section of Barangay Capissayan Norte in Gattaran, Cagayan province, bearing multiple gunshot wounds.
The deceased were identified as Johnny Agarpao, 52, a councilor from San Miguel village, and Jeferson De Leon, 30, a pastor from Baggao town. Responders recovered the remains, which bore evidence of violence consistent with extrajudicial killings that have plagued the region.
The discovery was made by a farmer in the area during the weekend. Details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear as local police launched a preliminary investigation into the incident.
The double homicide adds to concerns about security and violence in Cagayan province, where similar incidents involving community leaders and religious figures have been documented in recent years. Authorities have not yet announced any leads or suspects in connection with the deaths.