MIDSALIP, Zamboanga del Sur — A 25-year-old employee of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Midsalip was critically wounded after being shot in the head in a brazen attack Tuesday morning, January 19, 2026, in Purok 4, Barangay Pisompongan.
Police said the victim, identified as Aldan Candao, collapsed on the ground after the shooting, which occurred at around 7:50 a.m. Responding officers rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call, but Candao had already been transported to the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Barangay Dao, Pagadian City for immediate treatment.
Due to the severity of his injuries, doctors later decided to transfer Candao to a hospital in Ozamiz City, where he underwent surgery and remains confined as of this writing.
Authorities confirmed that two other individuals were with Candao at the time of the incident. A 16-year-old minor and another adult were reportedly also affected by the shooting, though both were declared out of danger.
Shotgun Shell Recovered; Manhunt Intensified
Investigators recovered a spent 12-gauge shotgun shell at the crime scene, indicating that a shotgun was used in the attack. Initial police findings point to six suspects—five men and one woman, reportedly relatives of one another—who fled immediately after the shooting.
The suspects are now the subject of an intensified manhunt by the Midsalip police, with checkpoints and follow-up operations launched in neighboring areas. Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack, but they said all angles are being explored, including possible personal or work-related disputes.
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, calling on the public to immediately report any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“Padayon ang among lawom ug seryosong imbestigasyon aron matino ang motibo ug madakpan ang mga responsable,” police officials said, assuring the community that all efforts are being exerted to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The shooting has raised concerns over public safety in the area, particularly as the victim is a government employee, prompting calls for stronger security measures while the investigation continues.