CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 17-year-old suspect in the killing of a City Health Office administrator in Gingoog City has voluntarily surrendered to authorities, marking a major breakthrough in a case that has gripped communities in Misamis Oriental for days.
Police confirmed that the minor—who works at a car wash in Gingoog City—turned himself in to Gingoog City Police Station (CPS) on November 19, 2025, four days after the body of 54-year-old Donnie Reyes Valdevilla Jr. was discovered inside his own van in Barangay Solana, Jasaan.
Valdevilla, also known as “Gogol,” the son of a retired judge and an administration head at the City Health Office, was found dead in the backseat of his gold Hyundai Starex, bearing at least six stab wounds. He had been missing since November 14.
The suspect reportedly surrendered out of remorse and provided investigators with crucial details, including the location of the incident near the Gingoog City Puericulture Center in Barangay 16. He also led police to areas where he concealed the victim’s belongings and the clothes he wore during the crime.
Recovered from these locations were the victim’s iPhone, wallet, and other personal items, now in the custody of Gingoog CPS.
OPLAN SHIELD Leads to Breakthrough
Authorities attributed the swift progress of the investigation to OPLAN SHIELD (Synergized Holistic Initiative for Enforcement of Law and Detection), an enhanced crime prevention and solution strategy of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration and intelligence-sharing.
The surrender came after an intensive joint probe led by Jasaan Municipal Police Station, Gingoog CPS, Villanueva MPS, and Claveria MPS, with strong operational support from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD-10).
CCTV footage earlier identified a Person of Interest seen with Valdevilla before his disappearance, which eventually guided investigators toward the suspect.
Regional Director Lauds Coordination
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the synchronized efforts of the involved police units.
“The voluntary surrender of the suspect reflects the success of our synchronized investigative efforts under OPLAN SHIELD,” Abrahano said. “Through enhanced coordination, intelligence-sharing, and rapid mobilization of our clustered stations, we remain committed to ensuring that no crime goes unresolved.”
He also assured the victim’s family and the public that the police will pursue all necessary legal steps.
“We stand with the family of the victim and the people of Gingoog City. Our investigators will ensure accountability and justice,” he added.
Robbery with Homicide Case to Be Filed
A case of Robbery with Homicide will be filed against the minor suspect, who remains under police custody along with all recovered evidence.
Valdevilla’s killing has deeply unsettled both Gingoog and Jasaan residents, as well as his colleagues at the City Health Office. Police earlier said they were not discounting other possible motives, pending full reconstruction of the victim’s final movements.
Authorities continue to urge individuals with relevant information to come forward as the investigation progresses toward prosecution.
This latest development brings significant momentum to the quest for justice in a case that has drawn widespread concern and mourning across Misamis Oriental.