VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A 29-year-old man was shot dead in broad daylight on Thursday after an argument escalated into gunfire in Purok 2, Barangay Kahaponan, Valencia City, police and witnesses said.
The victim was identified as Michael Jake B. Perla, a single resident of Purok 1, San Martin, Malaybalay City. Authorities and on-scene witnesses say the shooting occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on October 30, 2025. Perla was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and neck.
Witnesses and an eyewitness video taken by the victim’s live-in partner show a heated argument between Perla and the suspect, identified by locals as “Ronie” — later named by sources as Ronie Saldua, also known as Ronie Jardinico. The clip captures the confrontation turning violent: Perla pleading that he had no involvement in any trouble, the suspect shouting threats, and moments later, pulling out a firearm and firing at close range. The victim’s live-in partner attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the shooting. The family granted permission for the video to be publicly posted, according to community sources.
Perla’s father, Jojo Perla, told local reporters his son had gone to Purok 2 to follow up on harvested rice that belonged to his partner. Jojo said he tried to dissuade the pair from going because of existing tensions between families, but Perla went anyway. “Hustisya!” (Justice!), relatives cried at the scene, demanding immediate action.
Valencia City Police report that the suspect fled the scene on a single XRM motorcycle, and the station immediately mounted a hot-pursuit operation to locate and apprehend him. Authorities are canvassing the area and calling on anyone with information or footage to come forward to help identify the suspect and his whereabouts.
Residents and family members allege the suspect has an established criminal history, including accusations of rape and murder; those allegations remain unverified by official court records at the time of reporting. Family members and neighbors urged authorities to investigate those claims as part of the probe.
Local reporters obtained exclusive statements from the victim’s live-in partner, a 19-year-old woman who said she felt anxious when she was summoned to the area. She told reporters that she was instructed via message to go to the site to claim a portion of the harvested rice. When they arrived, an individual known as “Putot” approached saying there would be a reconciliation. According to her account, the suspect suddenly struck Perla and then opened fire. Perla reportedly cried out from the shoulder wound before being shot again, this time fatally in the head.
Valencia City and provincial police have in recent months investigated several fatal shootings in and around the city — a trend that has heightened community alarm and calls for stronger law enforcement presence. Authorities appealed to anyone who may have information on the suspect’s possible movements — reports have circulated that he may be hiding in Tagum, San Fernando, or nearby areas — to contact the Valencia City Police Station immediately.
The police stressed that the investigation is ongoing. They requested that witnesses preserve any video or photo evidence and refrain from posting unverified accusations online that could compromise the investigation or inflame tensions. Anyone with information is asked to contact Valencia City Police Station or the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office.