KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — Grief-stricken and desperate for justice, the family of a 56-year-old man who was brutally hacked to death in Barangay Sudapin has appealed to the public, authorities, and the local government for help in identifying and arresting those responsible for the heinous crime.
The victim, identified as Jerry (Gerry) Valdevieso, a resident of Luvimin, Kidapawan City, was attacked and killed in the early hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, while on his way to work at an ice vending stall in the city’s Mega Market.
According to police and initial investigation, Valdevieso was riding his motorcycle through Purok 7A, Sudapin, when he was waylaid by an unidentified assailant. He was repeatedly hacked with a bladed weapon, sustaining multiple deep and fatal wounds to the head and neck. The brutality of the attack shocked even seasoned investigators, with authorities noting that the nature of the injuries suggested intense rage or a possible personal grudge.
After the attack, the victim’s lifeless body was reportedly dumped near a banana tree, where he was later found bloodied and mutilated. One of his hands was severed, and he was declared dead at the scene.
In an emotional plea, Valdevieso’s nephew, Reniel Valdevieso Escote, called on residents, particularly those in Sudapin and Luvimin, to remain vigilant and to share any information—no matter how small—that could help identify the suspect or suspects.
“Hindi po namin matatanggap ang ganitong klaseng kamatayan. Wala pong sinumang karapat-dapat sa ganitong kalupitan,” Escote said, urging the community to cooperate with authorities and help review possible persons of interest linked to the crime.
The family has formally appealed to the Kidapawan City Local Government Unit, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) to conduct a thorough, fair, and uncompromising investigation.
They stressed that the case must not be allowed to go cold, and that justice must be served not only for Valdevieso but also to ensure the safety of other workers who leave their homes early to earn a living.
“Umaasa kami na sa tulong ng publiko at sa mabilis na aksyon ng gobyerno, lalabas ang katotohanan at mapapanagot ang mga may sala,” the family said in a statement.
As of this writing, the Kidapawan City Police Station continues to intensify its investigation, reviewing possible motives and angles, and gathering evidence that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator.
Authorities have once again urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.
For Valdevieso’s family, every lead, every witness, and every shared detail could be the key to uncovering the truth behind the brutal killing of a man who was simply trying to make an honest living.
“Hustisya para kay Tatay Jerry,” the family echoed.