A significant development has emerged in the continuing investigation surrounding the murder of Mister Cagayan de Oro 2023 candidate Adrian Rovic Fornillos.

Prosecutors have issued subpoenas to a prominent Baptist bishop, Dimver Andales, and four others, all of whom are linked to the case.

Regional State Prosecutor Merlynn Barola Uy confirmed the murder complaint against Bishop Andales and his associates on Wednesday, September 6.

This move comes after months of intensive case build-up work by the police, following the tragic shooting death of the 24-year-old Fornillos on May 9.

The victim, Fornillos, was fatally shot at close range while riding his motorcycle in Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro, on that fateful evening. Despite being rushed to the state-run Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), Fornillos succumbed to his injuries.

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Bishop Andales, often referred to online as “pastor sugar daddy,” is a highly influential preacher known for his close ties to local politicians. He now faces allegations of masterminding Fornillos’ murder, believed to be connected to a complex love triangle.

While specific details of the case have not been disclosed by prosecutors or the Fornillos family’s lawyer, Regional State Prosecutor Uy commended the police for their thorough investigation into the murder.

Dale Bryan Mordeno, the attorney representing the Fornillos family, indicated that the complaint would demonstrate Andales’ direct involvement in the crime. He also revealed that two of the respondents had established connections with the Baptist bishop.

Andales’ lawyer, Rhobert Maestre, confirmed that they are preparing to submit a counter-affidavit, highlighting alleged flaws in the complaint. Maestre expressed his distress over what he described as weeks of “trial by publicity” on social media, coupled with scandalous allegations suggesting the murder stemmed from jealousy and marital infidelity.

“We genuinely seek justice for the victim,” Maestre emphasized, “but it would be a grave injustice to charge an innocent person.”