LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN — A charcoal maker was wounded in a shooting incident that erupted on Wednesday night, October 22, 2025, in Barangay Sengal, Lamitan City.
The victim was identified as Tahir Jadjuri y Saytas, 58, a resident of Barangay Matibay, who sustained a gunshot wound to his left forearm and pelvic area. He is currently receiving treatment at Lamitan District Hospital (LDH) and reported to be in stable condition.
According to initial police investigation, the incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. in a rubber plantation, approximately six kilometers from the Lamitan City Police Station. The suspect, identified as Manding Sumampil, a caretaker of the plantation and resident of Barangay Sengal, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Reports indicate that the confrontation started when the victim greeted the suspect with “Assalamualaikum,” a common Islamic greeting. This reportedly angered the suspect, leading to a heated argument that ended with Sumampil allegedly pulling out a firearm and shooting Jadjuri.
Police recovered one spent shell of a .45 caliber pistol from the scene. The suspect immediately fled in an unknown direction after the shooting.
Personnel from the Lamitan City Police Station, 1st Basilan Provincial Mobile Force Company (BPMFC), and 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-14B) have launched a hot pursuit operation to capture the suspect.
Authorities continue their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack.