Still no lead in slay of barangay chief

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Police are facing a blank wall with regard to the recent murder of a Basilan village official in Zamboanga City even as Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman appealed to the public on Wednesday to stay calm and sober and wait for the results of the investigation.

Gunmen shot dead Franklyn Tan, the president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Isabela City, and wounded one of his two companions outside a hotel in Nunez Avenue here on the evening of February 25.

Police said Tan’s companion, Jaider Jundam, village chieftain of Kaumpurnah Zone 1, was wounded in the shooting and rushed to a hospital after the attack. The assailant, witnesses said, escaped on a motorcycle.

A third companion, Daryl Jalani, the village chieftain of

Kaumpurnah Zone 3, was unhurt from the shooting. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the shooting.

The mayor of Isabela City, Djalia Turabin, also released a statement, saying: “We join all peace-loving and law-abiding Isabeleños in expressing in the strongest terms possible, our collective outrage and condemnation of such a heinous and cowardly act. In response to this assault, I personally appeal to the Philippine National Police to intensify its pursuit operations against the perpetrators of this crime.”

Salliman said it was very unfortunate that the incident had occurred at the time when “we were extremely busy and preoccupied with the preparations for the Tennu Pakaradjaan 2024 and the 50th Founding Anniversary of Basilan, thus this statement comes only now.

“Certainly, we condemn such a dastardly act in the strongest term possible as we extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to Tan’s bereaved family, relatives and supporters. Nevertheless, we call on the law enforcement authorities in Zamboanga City to expedite the investigation into the incident so that justice can be served to the victims as soon as possible,” the governor said.

There have been over a dozen killings in Zamboanga City since early this year and the attacks have alarmed residents. Gun attacks are not uncommon in the region due to the presence of hired guns.

Because of the spate of killings in the city, the chief of police, Col. Alexander Lorenzo, was relieved on March 5 and replaced by Col. Rainier Diaz.