LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – A barangay captain and his son narrowly survived an ambush in Barangay Parangbasak on Saturday morning, October 18, 2025 — marking the second attempt on the official’s life in five years.
Authorities identified the victims as Barangay Captain Hadji Mohamad Atalan and his son, who sustained minor injuries during the attack. Initial investigation revealed that the victims were at a nearby store when armed men aboard a motorcycle suddenly opened fire on them.
Both managed to escape the assault alive. According to police, this was the second assassination attempt against Atalan, the first having occurred in 2020.
Hours after the shooting, authorities recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects in Barangay Baimbing. The vehicle, which had no license plate, was reportedly abandoned in a remote part of the barangay. It is now under the custody of the Lamitan City Police Station.
The motorcycle is undergoing forensic examination to gather possible evidence that could lead to the identification and arrest of those behind the attack.
Police investigators continue to pursue leads to determine the motive and identify the suspects, while the Atalan family has called for justice and protection amid ongoing threats to their safety.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to immediately report any information that may aid in solving the case.