KIDAPAWAN CITY — A man with a string of criminal cases and links to several controversies was gunned down in front of the Singao Integrated School, Purok Durian, Barangay Singao, on Sunday morning, August 31, 2025.
The victim was identified as Baltazar Compacion, also known as Val, a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Balindog, Kidapawan City. He was shot dead by still unidentified assailants while riding his motorcycle with plate number MC 6937 LF.
Kidapawan City Police Chief Lt. Col. Dominador Palgan Jr. confirmed that Compacion worked as a security aide of the Floresta family, which is currently embroiled in a property dispute. Palgan revealed that the victim had been involved in numerous controversies and criminal cases in the city.
According to police records:
- Compacion was previously detained for human trafficking, though the case was later dismissed by the court.
- In June 2025, he was accused by his live-in partner of shooting at them in Barangay Birada, leading to an attempted murder case, which was eventually withdrawn.
- He also served as a security aide of Bong Encarnacion, who was tagged as the prime suspect in the July 2019 killing of broadcaster Eduardo Dizon.
- Compacion was likewise identified as a person of interest in a robbery case involving the so-called Sefuentes Robbery Hold-up Gang, after six of its members were arrested in 2023.
- He was also suspected of being a contact in a series of theft incidents across Kidapawan City.
Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol from Compacion’s possession after the shooting. Authorities are still verifying whether the firearm was properly licensed.
Despite his controversial background, investigators have yet to establish the identity and motive of the gunman behind his killing.
The incident, happening in front of a school, has sparked alarm among residents, raising concerns over public safety and the brazenness of criminals operating in the city.