Isabela City, Basilan Province — In a tragic incident early Monday morning, March 24, another Isabela City government employee was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman. The victim, Tingan Pioquinto Mancenido, was en route to work, driving his motorcycle in Sitio Buracan, Barangay Tabiawan, when he was attacked before 8 a.m., sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
This marks the fourth shooting incident in Isabela City since the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence in the area. Notably, Mancenido is the second local government employee to be killed recently. The first victim, Ricardo “Rix” Laguardia, was a prominent LGBTQIA member and served as the assistant focal person for peace, order, and public security. He was also the head of the secretariat for both the City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council. Laguardia was fatally shot in front of his residence in Barangay San Rafael on February 20, 2025.
The recent spate of shootings has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current security measures, especially during the election period. Local authorities have established multiple checkpoints to enforce the gun ban and prevent election-related violence. Despite these efforts, the community remains on edge as investigations continue into these violent incidents.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to help restore peace and order in Isabela City.
