MIDSALIP, Zamboanga del Sur — A municipal administrator of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Midsalip was shot dead by unidentified gunmen late Wednesday afternoon, November 20, 2025, in Barangay Poblacion B.
The victim was identified as Rommel Geraldizo Bendicion, 53, a long-serving municipal employee and resident of Barangay Timbaboy.
According to the initial police report, Bendicion was on his way home with his wife at around 5:25 PM when two men wearing green raincoats and black helmets, riding a motorcycle, approached them. Without warning, the assailants allegedly tailed the couple and shot Bendicion point-blank in the head.
The suspects immediately fled toward the direction of Barangay San Juan, Dumingag, leaving the victim collapsed on the road. Bendicion was rushed to the Midsalip Rural Health Unit but was declared dead on arrival.
Police said Bendicion sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The victim’s remains were transported to Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday night for cremation. His family opted not to undergo an autopsy.
Midsalip Municipal Police Station, led by Acting Chief of Police PMAJ Jake Capitly, has launched an intensified dragnet and follow-up operation in coordination with nearby police stations to track down the suspects.
Investigators are still determining the motive behind the killing. Authorities are also reviewing possible angles, including work-related issues, as Bendicion was serving as Municipal Administrator at the time of his death.
Police urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to resolve the case and restore peace and security in the municipality.