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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Party-list solon slams killing of retired colonel in North Cotabato

Party-list solon slams killing of retired colonel in North Cotabato

Published Feb 8, 2026 04:12 pm

At A Glance

  • Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes said that despite being a stroke victim, Ret. Col. Leonardo Songcaya is known to be active and diligent in protecting the rights, welfare and privileges of senior citizens in SOCCSKSARGEN: "This attack is not just violence against an individual, but a serious affront to the dignity and security of the elderly."


Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes expressed his deep concern over the recent brutal killing of a retired officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Matalam town, in North Cotabato.

SONGCAYA (FB)
SONGCAYA (FB)

The victim, retired Col. Leonardo Songcaya, is the president of the Cotabato Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines, according to Ordanes.

Songcaya, 68, also heads the Kidama Communal Irrigator's Association, which promotes the interests of farmers in Region 12.

He was killed together with two other individuals, while driving their vehicles in separate highway attacks on Friday, February 6. He died immediately from multiple bullet wounds. Police said the gunmen are now subject of an extensive manhunt.

Matalam Mayor Oscar Valdevieso also reportedly offered a P500,000 reward for any information that will help identify and catch the perpetrators.

Ordanes said that despite being a stroke victim, Songcaya is known to be active and diligent in protecting the rights, welfare and privileges of senior citizens in SOCCSKSARGEN.

“This attack is not just violence against an individual, but a serious affront to the dignity and security of the elderly,”  Ordanes stressed.

At the same time, the lawmaker urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident so that Songcayo can be brought to justice.

“There is no reason that can justify this incident, especially for an elderly public servant who continues to serve despite his physical frailty,” the lawmaker added.

Related Tags

Senior Citizens Party-list Leonardo Songcaya
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