Police face blank wall in murder of Isabela village chieftain

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police were facing a blank wall in the recent murder of a Basilan village official in Zamboanga City.

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.

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

Members of the emergency medical team arrived late and one tried to revive Tan by applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Tan was later evacuated to the nearest hospital.

Details of the shooting and the background of the victims remain unavailable as police mount an investigation and hunt for the attackers.

The mayor of Isabela City, Djalia Turabin, wrote this on her Facebook page after receiving reports of the shooting. "To God we belong and to Him we shall return Kap/ Konsi Franklyn Tan."

She also released a statement, saying:" The Local Government Unit of Isabela City is struck by tragedy with the shameless and senseless killing of the president of the Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC) of Isabela City and the Punong Barangay of Seaside, Franklyn Tan. The incident, which took place in Zamboanga City on February 25, also injured Kaumpurnah Zone I Punong Barangay Jaider Jundam.

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.

As we shall remain vigilant of the progress of this investigation, the men and women of the City Government extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the late ABC President Tan, and send their prayers and support, especially to the surviving victims and their loved ones. The local leadership of the City of Isabela stands in undivided solidarity with the constituents of the aforementioned barangays during this most difficult time.

I reiterate: There is no space in any progressive democratic society, most especially in the City of Isabela, for the blatant disregard of the rule of law and the wanton disrespect for human life."

There have been over a dozen killings here since early this year and the attacks have alarmed residents. Gun attacks are not uncommon in Zamboanga due to the active presence of hired guns. (Mindanao Examiner)

Franklyn Tan