A 27-year-old man from Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte was shot dead late at night in a suspected targeted attack along Saavedra Extension, J. Ruste Drive in Barangay Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City.
The victim was identified as Alnaser Sali Sahiber, 27, married, and a resident of Barangay Balubuan in Sirawai. Reports said Sahiber was attacked at around 10 p.m. when gunmen riding motorcycles opened fire on him.
Initial information indicated that the assailants were riding in tandem on two motorcycles—a Yamaha Aerox carrying two riders and a Yamaha NMax with three individuals on board. Authorities said one of the suspects fired at the victim using a .45 caliber pistol, repeatedly hitting him. Sahiber died from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack.
Local officials confirmed the identity and origin of the victim following the incident. Barangay Sta. Maria Committee on Peace and Order Chairman, Councilor Fred Atilano, said verification was made through the victim’s identification card, which showed he was a resident of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
Police and barangay authorities responded to the shooting scene along J. Ruste Drive shortly after the incident was reported. Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the killing and to identify the suspects who fled the area immediately after the shooting.
The attack has raised concerns among residents in the area, particularly due to the number of armed suspects involved and the use of multiple motorcycles during the incident. Authorities are expected to review possible CCTV footage and gather witness accounts to aid in the ongoing investigation.
As of this writing, a manhunt operation is underway to track down the perpetrators responsible for the fatal shooting. Police have urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspects to coordinate with local authorities.