Jolo, Sulu — Authorities have taken into custody a municipal councilor who confessed to the fatal shooting of a well-known Tausug vlogger and government employee in Patikul, Sulu.
The suspect, identified as Mumarzhen Mañalas Suhuri, 33, an incumbent municipal councilor of Patikul, surrendered on Sunday, July 27, to Sulu Vice Governor Hadji Abdusakur Tan Sr. and Col. Jeff Briones Uy, Provincial Director of the Sulu Police Provincial Office. He was turned over by his own parents at around 2:30 PM.
The victim, Mohammad Riza “Doofz” Muksan, 37, a respected employee of the Ministry of Social Services and Development–BARMM and a prominent vlogger in Sulu, was gunned down on Friday night, July 25, outside a coffee shop at Litayon Beach in Barangay Umangay, Patikul. He was about to leave the establishment and head home to Jolo when he was approached and shot multiple times with a .45 caliber pistol. He died on the spot.
In an interview, PLtCol Benjamin Usman, Deputy Director for Administration and Officer-in-Charge of the Sulu Police Provincial Office, confirmed that an extrajudicial confession was executed by Suhuri, where he admitted to the killing. The Patikul Municipal Police Station is currently processing a Murder charge under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code against him.
Reports from Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) Director Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman indicated that eyewitnesses named Suhuri as the gunman, prompting calls from provincial and municipal officials, including Vice Gov. Tan, for his immediate surrender.
Muksan, known online as “Doofz,” was a beloved social media content creator whose vlogs promoted Tausug culture, unity, and peace in the province. He had been advocating for the preservation of traditional customs and stronger cooperation among communities through his popular Facebook videos. His death has shocked and saddened many Tausugs.
Authorities said the two men were close friends, almost like brothers, but had a recent falling out which may have triggered the tragic incident.
“The gravity of the case and potential sentence will still depend on the findings and eventual decision of the fiscal,” said PLtCol Usman, who also assured the public of the PNP’s commitment to justice. He emphasized that with the support of the provincial government, no one is above the law, and the suspect will be held accountable.
The Sulu community continues to mourn the loss of a cultural voice who used social media not for fame, but for peace and progress in his homeland.