ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor John Dalipe has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Fathie Bara Loong and his wife, Bairivalia, in Barangay Boalan, and commended the swift action of the police in arresting a suspect in the case.
The couple was killed in a gun attack shortly before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, while their four-year-old daughter, who witnessed the gruesome incident, was unharmed. Police reports stated that the gunman approached and shot Fathie, who was inspecting the construction of their store. The assailant then targeted Bairivalia, who was seated with their daughter inside a delivery van.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mayor Dalipe decried the violence. “This dastardly and cowardly act of violence has no place in Zamboanga City, which continuously values and promotes peace among its culturally diverse communities.” He directed the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) to arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice immediately. The mayor also urged security forces to strengthen measures in light of the ongoing gun ban for the 2025 elections.
A breakthrough came a day after the incident when authorities arrested the suspect in Calvario Village, Isabela City, Basilan, on Thursday, January 23. Acting City Police Director PCol. Kimberly Molitas presented the suspect, whose name was withheld pending further investigation, to Mayor Dalipe and the media during a joint press briefing at the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company headquarters in Baliwasan.
Mayor Dalipe lauded Police Station 5 personnel for their swift and decisive action, crediting the support of the Local Government of Zamboanga City for the successful operation. “The mayor’s office provided vital sea assets and financial support, significantly enhancing the response time of the ZCPO during the intense manhunt,” the ZCPO noted.
The mayor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their family. “Let this serve as a strong message that we will not tolerate violence in our city, and we will continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our constituents,” Dalipe said.
The investigation into the motive and other possible suspects remains ongoing as authorities vowed to bring all those involved to justice.