(Trigger Warning: Self-Harm)
The Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) provided an update regarding the passing of esteemed Filipino film actor Ronaldo Valdez (James Ronald Dulaca Gibbs). Based on reports by GMA’s 24 Oras and the Manila Times, his lifeless body was located by his driver, Angelito Oclarit, last Sunday, December 17, 2023, around 3 in the afternoon, with a gunshot wound to his head and a weapon in hand.
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“We are at present conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the death of [Valdez]…We understand the importance of this matter; hence, we are working diligently to gather all relevant facts and evidence,” mentioned QCPD Chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan in a statement.
According to The Manila Times, Cpt. Adhrin Domingo of the QCPD Scene of the Crime Operatives Unit identified Valdez’s firearm to be a caliber.45 Norinco pistol (Serial No. 454697), though with an empty magazine. Given the firearm’s location was within the premises of his residence, all those present in the vicinity underwent paraffin and ballistic tests, abiding by the standard operating procedure of the investigation.
Singer-actor Janno Gibbs confirmed the news of his father’s passing in an Instagram post, asking to “respect his family’s privacy in their grieving moment.”
Valdez was known for his roles in various films and television shows such as “Cedie,” “May Minamahal,” and “Seven Sundays,” among others, and starred in locally televised commercials. He endeared to a new generation as “Lolo Sir” on “2 Good 2 Be True,” the primetime teleserye of the now-defunct love team of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. He was 76 years old.
