Barobo Mayor Ronito L. Martizano was shot in the shoulder after he was ambushed in Causwagan, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Martizano was rushed to a hospital for treatment following the attack, which occurred around 4:10 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2026, according to a press release from the Barobo Municipal Police Station.
Police said the mayor was traveling in a light commercial van from Sitio Panaraga in Barangay Gamut toward the town proper.
Upon reaching the area of Causwagan, authorities said a gray vehicle suddenly blocked the mayor’s van.
Suspects quickly got out of the vehicle and fired several shots at the van using unidentified firearms. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting, heading in the direction of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, police said.
Martizano suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder during the ambush. His security guard was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to the arm.
Both victims were brought to a hospital for medical attention.
Police said Martizano and his companion were reported to be in stable condition following treatment.
Authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the suspects involved in the ambush.
The Barobo Municipal Police Station continues to investigate the incident as efforts remain underway to locate those responsible.
