Kidapawan — The reason remains unknown in the killing of Eduardo “Eddie” Balindres, a Catholic layman and pastoral coordinator at the parish of Matalam, in the Diocese of Kidapawan, Cotabato province, on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.A highly active member of the community, a trusted collaborator of the parish priest and coordinator of community activities, Balindres was shot dead on August 31, 2026, by unidentified assailants while he was returning home in Barangay New Abra. In an ambush, the attackers opened fire repeatedly, killing him before immediately fleeing the scene. Local police have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators and establish the reason behind the killing.The Parish of Matalam and the Diocese of Kidapawan expressed shock and grief over the sudden loss. The Diocese of Kidapawan, led by Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, D.D., issued an official statement strongly condemning Balindres’ killing. The local Church issued a strong appeal for justice, peace and the protection of human dignity, joining calls expressed under hashtags such as #JusticeForEduardoBalindres.The Parish of Matalam remembered Balindres as “a fundamental pillar of the community, a trusted collaborator, active and deeply committed to coordinating and assisting in all pastoral activities.” The faithful expressed profound dismay, describing him as “a courageous servant who devoted his life to helping others.”The investigation is ongoing, but so far no suspects have been identified or arrested. Investigators are examining Balindres’ personal life and his role as a community leader to determine whether he had received threats. The reason for the killing, however, remains unknown.The murder comes amid a worrying trail of violence in the Matalam area, raising serious concerns among residents and local volunteers working in the area. The Kidapawan area and Cotabato province as a whole have for decades faced complex dynamics that fuel insecurity.Recently, the border area between Matalam and Kidapawan has witnessed bloody clashes between armed factions linked to land disputes, resulting in deaths and the displacement of entire families. The region is also home to several armed groups associated with Islamist separatist or communist insurgencies in the southern Philippines.Historically, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front have been active in the area. Both have signed peace agreements with the government, although some local factions remain involved in acts of violence. Communist rebels belonging to the New People’s Army , known for carrying out ambushes and issuing threats, also operate in the area.
