Pangasinan pastor found dead in apparent suicide

DAGUPAN CITY—A Christian church pastor was found dead on Tuesday in his farm in Umingan town in Pangasinan, police said on Wednesday.

Rodolfo Bacdayan, 49, pastor of the Church of God in neighboring San Quintin town, was found lying on the ground about 8 p.m. in Barangay Barat in Umingan.

Near Bacdayan’s body was a bottle of insecticide said Chief Insp. Exzur Relatado, Umingan police chief.

Investigators said Bacdayan may have taken his own life because of family problems.

An autopsy would be performed on Bacdayan’s body to establish the cause of death, Relatado said. Gabriel Cardinoza/lzb

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public, especially those who may have mental health issues, that they can contact the DOH’s 24/7 Hopeline to either help them unburden their emotional baggage or to seek professional help. Hopeline can be reached via hotlines 804-HOPE (4673); 0917-558-HOPE (4673); or 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers).

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)

Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.