Barangay Chairperson Killed in Early Morning Shooting in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - What began as a quiet Sunday morning in the village of Licuroan turned into a tragic scene after the community’s barangay chairperson was fatally shot by still unidentified assailants on March 22.

The victim, 36-year-old Jing A. Mandao, the incumbent barangay chairperson of Licuroan in Midsalip, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds sustained during an ambush in Purok 1 at around 7:36 a.m.

Initial reports from the Midsalip Municipal Police Station revealed that Mandao was near the Barangay Hall when armed assailants suddenly opened fire. Residents in the area reported hearing a rapid series of gunshots, prompting alarm within the community.

Moments later, the barangay official was found lying on the ground with multiple wounds to different parts of her body.

She was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility but was declared dead on arrival. Authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspects, who fled the scene shortly after carrying out the attack.

Police officials assured the public that a full-scale investigation is underway. “We are conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this incident. Our priority is to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice,” a local police spokesperson said.

Investigators are currently examining several possible motives behind the killing, including whether the attack was politically motivated or connected to the victim’s duties as a public official.

The untimely death of Mandao has deeply shaken the community of Licuroan, where she was known as a young, active, and dedicated leader. Her passing leaves not only a leadership void but also a grieving community that remembers her commitment to public service.