Former Lanao del Sur mayor shot dead

A former mayor in Lanao del Sur was shot dead on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Police said former Lumbaca-Unayan mayor Abdulazis Tadua Aloyodan, husband of the incumbent mayor, was shot across their house in Barangay Oriental Beta by a gunman in a pickup truck at 7:36 a.m.

The house is located near the municipal hall.

According to a police report from the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Aloyodan was standing at the motor pool when the suspects onboard a white pick-up vehicle fired shots at him, hitting different parts of his body. 

The victim was rushed to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival due to severe gunshot wounds.

Recovered from the crime scene were three cartridge cases from caliber 7.62 and six from caliber 5.56.

Authorities are investigating whether or not the killing has something to do with the upcoming elections or rido (family feud).

The victim’s wife has yet to issue a statement, as of this writing.

Police have created a special investigation task group (SITG) to conduct a thorough probe. A hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators is also being conducted.

Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. condemned the killing.

“As a dedicated public servant, a political ally and a dear friend, Mayor Abdulazis Aloyodan's untimely death represents not just a loss to his family and friends, but to the Municipality of Lumbaca-Unayan he served with passion and integrity,” Adiong said in a statement.

“Let me stress that there is no room for violence in our communities and we, including the authorities, need to be more vigilant in maintaining peace and security in our province especially as we welcome the election season. Let us continue to resist normalizing violence and focus on rebuilding a culture that values human life and rights above all,” he added.

--GMA Regional TV with reports from Joviland Rita