Zamboanga City – The Police Regional Office 9 has made an arrest in connection with the fatal shooting of Maria Vilma Rodriguez, a 56-year-old media practitioner, in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, on the evening of October 22, 2024. Rodriguez, a well-known figure in the local media community, was gunned down outside her residence on Comet Street at around 8:20 PM.
Initial reports reveal that Rodriguez was seated on a bamboo chair with her mother, sister, and nephew when an unidentified male suspect approached and fired three shots at her, striking the right side of her body. She was immediately rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), but despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Zamboanga City Police responded swiftly, recovering a single slug believed to be from a caliber .38 firearm. Following a police operation aided by witness accounts, officers from Zamboanga City Police Station 7 (ZCPS7) apprehended the suspect outside his residence. The suspect, a 33-year-old male, is both a neighbor and relative of Rodriguez, intensifying the shock surrounding the incident.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the motive behind the killing. The firearm used in the crime is still being sought, and further questioning of the suspect is underway.
The Police Regional Office 9 has expressed its deep condolences to the family of Maria Vilma Rodriguez, who was a prominent voice in local media and an advocate for community issues. “We assure the public that this case will be thoroughly investigated, and we will ensure that justice is served for Maria Vilma Rodriguez and her family,” said a spokesperson for the regional police office.
Rodriguez’s death has sent ripples through the local media and the wider community in Zamboanga City, where she was highly regarded for her work. Residents of Barangay Tumaga are in shock, with many calling for swift justice in her memory. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and to assist law enforcement as the investigation continues.
