Condition of our General Secretary, Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog.

June 03, 2024

To: National Executive Council
Council of Bishops
Jurisdictional Areas
Conferences
Church Institutions
Church Recognized Organizations
National Commissions
Ecumenical Partners
International Partners
Church Members

Re: Condition of our General Secretary, Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog.

I hope this letter finds us well amidst all the challenges as we start the new ecclesiastical year 2024-2025.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Office of the General Secretary, National Office, 877 EDSA, Quezon City, Philippines, is formally writing this letter to inform the whole UCCP constituents and concerned public, and to address the circulating information online regarding the health condition of our General Secretary, Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog.

Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog is currently hospitalized due to a stroke on May 22, 2024, and is now on his recovery status after all the consultations and medications. As of this moment, this is the only information that the office can provide to all, as we also respect the requested privacy of Bishop Melzar’s family. But rest assured, he is on his way to a full recovery.

In connection, in order to ensure and maintain the chain of command and take responsibility and care of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines during the absence of our General Secretary, Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog, The Council of Bishops (COB), during its meeting held on May 22, 2024, in Baguio City, appointed BISHOP JOSEPH G. AGPAOA as OFFICER-IN-CHARGE with Action No.

COB-01-2024: To appoint Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the General Secretary, Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog, due to medical health reasons until the next National Council meeting.

In this light, we are calling on everyone to join us in praying for the full recovery and healing of Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog. We continue to appeal for financial support for the hospitalization costs.

You can send your financial support through this bank details below.

BPI Account
Account name: Mrs. Agape M. Labuntog
Account No. 2329-2304-25

We also highly encourage everyone to refrain from spreading or sharing unverified information regarding the conditions of our General Secretary since this will not contribute to his full recovery. Instead, wait for official information.

May our God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer enable us to strengthen our unity and let each one empower another, and may our courage and perseverance abound to meet the needs of our people.

REV. DR. GEORGE A. LUNGAY
Executive Secretary for the
Office of the General Secretary and Human Resource Development

Office of the General Secretary Letter regarding Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog Condition