A mayor in Surigao del Sur and his security escort were injured after they were shot in Barangay Dughan, Barobo town on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office said Barobo Mayor Ronito Martizano and his security escort, Private First Class Khevin Mark Claridad, a member of the 67th Infantry Battalion, are in stable condition, as of this writing.

In a statement, Martizano’s daughter, Deseree, said the mayor is receiving treatment after sustaining a gunshot wound in the back.

“He is well and God is good. We hope to erase the negativity of this incident with a clear testament that amidst all this, all things work together for good,” the statement said.

The mayor’s daughter also urged the public to pray for Claridad, who is also receiving treatment at a hospital.

“We will make sure na okay sab siya,” the statement added.

A special investigation task group (SITG) has been activated to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Police said a person of interest has been currently under monitoring and validation.

“The investigation is strictly ongoing as we gather more evidence and track the perpetrators,” police said.

The League of the Municipalities of the Philippines-Surigao del Sur Chapter also condemned the attempt on Martizano’s life.

Lianga, Surigao del Sur Mayor Amado Layno, president of the League of the Municipalities-Surigao del Sur Chapter, said the league is calling on law enforcement authorities to act with urgency to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

“It was a non-sense, dastardly, and uncivilized act that must be pursued by all legal and appropriate actions,” the league’s statement said.