On the evening of Sunday, December 17, it was announced that Ronaldo Valdez had passed away at the age of 77. The Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) Criminal Investigation Division confirmed in a report by 24 Oras on Monday evening that the actor was found unconscious in his bedroom around 3 pm on Sunday.
The actor was found unconscious at home, according to Maj. Don Don Llapitan, chief of QCPD’s Criminal Investigation Section. Police also recovered a firearm from the area.
Valdez was taken to a hospital but pronounced dead.
As part of standard procedure for incidents involving firearms, Valdez’s companion underwent paraffin and ballistics tests at his home. As of press time, the results had not yet been released to the public.
Ronaldo Valdez suicide video Gun death leaked
Cause of Death: On a Sunday afternoon, Valdez was discovered slumped in a chair at his Quezon City residence with gunshot wounds in his right and left temples by his driver, Angelito Oclarit. Reports indicate that the actor was holding a caliber .45 Norinco pistol with an empty magazine in one hand. While the scene suggests suicide by gunshot, the police are conducting an investigation before releasing an official statement on the cause of Valdez’s death.
“We are presently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the death of [Valdez],” said QCPD Chief BGen. Redrico Maranan in a statement, as reported by The Manila Times. “We understand the importance of this matter; hence, we are working diligently to gather all relevant facts and evidence. We also urge the public to refrain from concluding and respect the family’s request to grieve in private.”
Family’s Confirmation: Valdez’s son, Janno Gibbs, confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Monday. He also requested privacy during the family’s time of mourning.
“It is with great sorrow that I confirm my father’s passing,” wrote Gibbs. “The family would like to request that you respect our privacy in our grieving moment. Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated.”
About the Actor: Valdez, born James Ronald Dulaca Gibbs, is survived by his wife, Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs, and his two celebrity children, Janno and Melissa.
Considered a pillar of Philippine showbiz, Valdez enjoyed a prominent career spanning nearly six decades. The award-winning actor became known for his roles in movies and TV dramas, often portraying patriarchal figures. Valdez’s last project was the drama series “2 Good 2 Be True,” where he starred alongside former real-life couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. His filmography includes notable works such as “May Minamahal,” “The Mistress,” and “Seven Sundays.”
Valdez has received several prestigious acting awards, including recognition from the Film Academy of the Philippines Awards, FAMAS Awards, and the Metro Manila Film Festival.
