Ronaldo Valdez's home companions undergo paraffin and ballistic tests to determine his cause of death
The home companions of Ronaldo Valdez underwent paraffin and ballistic tests as part of the police’s investigation into his sudden passing.
According to a report by GMA’s 24 Oras, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) disclosed that the veteran actor was found in his room on Sunday, Dec. 17 at around 3 p.m. with a gunshot wound in his head.
“Si Sir Ronaldo Valdez po ay nakaupo sa kaniyang upuan po at wala na pong malay,” said Maj. Don Don Llapitan, chief of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.
“May tama sa kaniyang right temple po, at ‘yung baril na ginamit, nasa kaniyang kamay pa rin po,” he added.
GMA's 24 Oras reported that Valdez was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Since the gun was found in his room, all of his home companions underwent paraffin and ballistic tests as part of the standard operating procedure of the investigation.
The results are yet to be disclosed as of writing.
Valdez passed away at 76 years old. His son, singer and actor Janno Gibbs confirmed the news on Monday, Dec. 18 in a statement on Instagram.
"It is with great sorrow that I confirm my father's passing. The family would like to request that you respect our privacy in our grieving moment," he wrote.
"Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated," he continued.
Later in the day, authorities said that they would conduct a thorough investigation into Valdez's death as they asked the public to refrain from making speculations about its cause.
"As of today, QCPD is currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the death of Mr. James Gibbs aka Ronaldo Valdez," QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said in a statement.
"We understand the importance of this matter; hence, we are working diligently to gather all relevant facts and evidence," he added.
Valdez became known for his roles in various films and television shows such as Cedie, May Minamahal, Seven Sundays, Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?, Los Bastardos, and 2 Good 2 Be True, among others. He also starred in commercials for Kentucky Fried Chicken as the Filipino Colonel.