Justice sought for pastor slain in Cauayan

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Family members, relatives, and fellow Baptist church members are calling for justice following the killing of Pastor Julito Fundador Jr., whose body was found in Barangay Lumbia, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, on Maundy Thursday, April 2.

A relative of the victim expressed grief and anger in a social media post, condemning the killing and appealing for justice.

The message, written in a local dialect, urged the perpetrator to answer to his conscience and said God knew what had been done.

The family also said they were entrusting the pursuit of justice to the Lord.

The pastor’s cousin also shared memories of Fundador online and joined calls for accountability.

Members of their church community likewise expressed sorrow and demanded justice.

Police Lt. Col. Norberto Barniso, chief of the Cauayan Municipal Police Station, said the victim sustained gunshot wounds to the head and neck.

Barniso said in a radio interview that police also found marks on both hands, indicating Fundador may have been tied and possibly dragged to the place where his body was discovered.

Investigators also recovered a spent .45-caliber shell at the scene.

Initial investigation showed that Fundador had come from the home of a church member, where he had been discussing plans for their Good Friday service before the incident.

Police are still investigating the motive behind the killing.

Authorities are looking into several angles, including possible links to his business activities or his previous service as a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Isabela and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Before entering the ministry, Fundador had also worked as a security guard in Cebu.

Police said the victim had no prior criminal record.