American arrested for attacking pastor in Leyte

[Lee]

TACLOBAN CITY — A 69-year-old American national was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 21, for allegedly assaulting a local pastor and threatening churchgoers during a violent incident at the Bible Baptist Church in Poblacion Zone 3, Mayorga town, Leyte.

The suspect, identified only as “Mike,” reportedly became agitated after attending a church Mass and confronted Pastor “Lex,” 54, over a casual question about the church’s new vehicle. Witnesses said the altercation escalated when the pastor attempted to calm the suspect, who then allegedly struck the back of the pastor’s head.

The situation intensified as Mike reportedly drew a handheld knife and attempted to stab the pastor, prompting intervention from church members. One witness, “Reo,” 36, narrowly avoided being hit when the suspect swung the knife in his direction.

Police from the Mayorga Municipal Police Station (MPS), responding to an alarm at 3:15 p.m., found the suspect holding the knife and immediately disarmed and arrested him. 

The suspect was brought to the Mayorga MPS along with the weapon for proper disposition and further investigation.

Authorities confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

No fatalities were reported, and the pastor was unharmed aside from minor injuries. 

 

American arrested for attacking pastor in Leyte

[scott h]

Notice no follow up about the new vehicle..........

[Lee]

26 minutes ago, scott h said:

Notice no follow up about the new vehicle..........

Seems a bit strange for sure---why would an almost 70 yo ex pat care about what vehicle a church has??? IDK

[OnMyWay]

42 minutes ago, Lee said:

Seems a bit strange for sure---why would an almost 70 yo ex pat care about what vehicle a church has??? IDK

Maybe he donated money towards the purchase of a church vehicle and objected to the one purchased.

[Joey G]

1 hour ago, OnMyWay said:

Maybe he donated money towards the purchase of a church vehicle and objected to the one purchased.

Maybe... isn't that what most people do in these situations?  LOL

[graham59]

I've no time for these 'pastor' parasites or their 'church' nonsense, but would hesitate to start a knife fight over it. 

Goodbye Mr stupid blacklisted American.  

[Mike J]

9 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

Maybe he donated money towards the purchase of a church vehicle and objected to the one purchased.

Or maybe he donated money for some other reason, building renovation, medical expenses, children's education, etc.   Those needs were not met and suddenly the pastor has a new vehicle?  And a minor correction.  Bible Baptist churches do not have "mass" they have a "church service".  

[Joey G]

11 hours ago, Mike J said:

Bible Baptist churches do not have "mass" they have a "church service".  

In the Philippines even the Baptists are Catholic LOLOL

[RBM]

On 12/22/2025 at 7:29 PM, scott h said:

Notice no follow up about the new vehicle..........

Tainted with the C word.......