PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — A 27-year-old businessman was rushed to the hospital after being shot by an unidentified motorcycle-riding assailant just hours before the New Year countdown on December 31, 2025.
The victim has been identified as Saadodin Ali Bundas, a resident of Barangay Santa Lucia, Pagadian City. The shooting occurred at around 8:00 p.m. along FS Pajares Avenue, right in front of Roxan Hotel in Barangay Gatas — a busy commercial area as residents were preparing to welcome the New Year.
Investigators said Bundas sustained two gunshot wounds on the right side of his back. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment and is now reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities stated that the gunman — wearing a black helmet and a white face mask while riding a black Yamaha Mio i125 motorcycle — fled quickly toward the direction of the Rizal Avenue drive-thru area after the attack.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation and coordinated with nearby stations to establish checkpoints in an effort to track down and arrest the suspect. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
Law enforcement assured the public of their continued commitment to maintaining peace and security in Pagadian City as the New Year celebrations unfold.