By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
The Department of Justice, in its decision, has dismissed the murder case filed against religious leader Pastor Dimver Andales, citing a lack of probable cause. The decision, handed down earlier this week, shocked many as it closed one of the community’s most high-profile legal battles.
Andales and his driver were arrested and detained last year after they were charged with the murder of Mr Cagayan de Oro 2023 candidate Adriane Rovic Fornillos.
Pastor Dimver Andales, a well-known religious leader in his community, found himself embroiled in legal controversy after being charged in connection with the murder of Fornillos. The case stemmed from an incident that occurred earlier this year, when the victim was murdered. Initial investigations pointed to several individuals, with Andales unexpectedly emerging as one of the suspects.
According to court documents, authorities believed Andales had ties to the victim and alleged that their relationship had soured in the months leading up to the murder. Witness testimonies and circumstantial evidence formed the basis of the case, with prosecutors arguing that Andales had a potential motive related to personal disputes. However, the pastor had consistently denied any involvement in the crime.
Lack of Probable Cause
Despite the prosecution’s insistence on Andales’ alleged connection to the crime, the court ultimately ruled that there was insufficient evidence to move forward. In legal terms, “probable cause” refers to a reasonable belief, supported by facts, that the accused person committed the crime. In this case, the judge found that the evidence presented did not meet that standard.
Key elements of the case against Pastor Andales were found to be weak and largely circumstantial. According to the court’s decision, the testimonies provided by witnesses were inconsistent, and there was no physical evidence directly linking Andales to the crime. Furthermore, the court noted that the investigation had failed to establish a clear timeline of events or provide a strong motive for the pastor to commit the crime.
The dismissal of the case has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Pastor Andales, who has a long-standing reputation as a spiritual and community leader, maintained his innocence throughout the legal process. After the court’s ruling, he expressed gratitude for the outcome while emphasizing his commitment to clearing his name.
For members of Andales’ congregation and his supporters, the ruling came as a vindication of their faith in the pastor’s integrity. Many expressed relief that the court had dismissed the charges and reiterated their support for Andales as a leader in the community.
However, others have voiced concerns about the case’s abrupt conclusion. Some believe that more investigative work is needed and that justice may not have been fully served. The family of the victim, while respecting the court’s decision, has called for further investigations to ensure that the person responsible for their loved one’s death is eventually brought to justice.
Legal experts have pointed out that although the dismissal signifies the end of the current case against Pastor Andales, future charges could still be filed if new evidence comes to light.
For now, the case stands as a reminder of the complexities involved in criminal investigations and the importance of robust evidence in securing justice.
STORY BACKGROUND
On the evening of May 9, 2023, 23-year-old Fornillos was fatally shot at close range in the head by an unidentified assailant. Rushed to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Fornillos succumbed to severe brain injuries the following day. At the time of the attack, Fornillos was preparing for the Mr. Cagayan De Oro 2023 pageant and was en route to his trainer’s residence for practice.
Authorities initially identified three individuals as persons of interest and speculated that the murder might be connected to the pageant. However, recent online discussions have prompted renewed calls for further investigation.
According to Bombo Radyo CDO, police have pointed to a powerful figure as the mastermind behind Fornillos’ killing, though no names were officially released. Social media users have since speculated that Pastor Dimver Andales of Lapasan Baptist Church might be involved, based on alleged screenshots circulating online.
The screenshots, allegedly taken from Fornillos’ phone, suggest that his girlfriend, Orog, had a “sugar daddy,” rumored to be Pastor Andales. The messages claim Andales sent Orog gifts, including a bouquet and an expensive bag, and suggest jealousy over her relationship with Fornillos as a possible motive for the murder. However, questions remain about the authenticity of the screenshots and how they were leaked.
In an interview with iFM CDO, Pastor Andales denied the accusations, stating he is content with his wife and calling the rumors politically motivated due to his failed 2022 run for public office. Andales also expressed plans to take legal action against those spreading false allegations on social media. ###
