General Santos City – A gubernatorial candidate for Sarangani Province, identified as Gladden Lim, 48, was shot and wounded on Saturday evening, November 25, 2024, within the compound of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Dacera Avenue, Barangay City Heights.
According to reports, Lim had just attended a church service and a meeting and was about to leave in his pickup truck when an unidentified gunman approached and opened fire. Lim sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The assailant fled the scene on a motorcycle.
Police recovered five bullet casings from the crime scene. Lim was immediately rushed to a private hospital in General Santos City, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Personal Grudge Suspected as Motive
San Isidro Police Station Commander PCapt. Michael Angelo Quidilla confirmed that Lim had previously received death threats. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities are focusing on a possible personal grudge as the motive behind the attack. A person of interest has been identified but remains at large.
Quidilla clarified that the incident is not linked to Lim’s political bid for Sarangani governor. Lim, an independent candidate, is running against incumbent Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao and PDP-Laban’s Mohammad Aquia in the upcoming elections.
Public Safety Concerns
The shooting has raised concerns over the safety of political candidates as the election season intensifies. Authorities have assured the public that thorough investigations are being conducted to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Lim’s family and supporters are hopeful for his full recovery while urging authorities to expedite their investigation and ensure the safety of political candidates in the region.
