A man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen early Monday dawn in Zamboanga City, in an incident that underscores the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence and has intensified debate over a proposed total gun ban.
Police identified the victim as Ivan Francisco, a driver and a resident of Barangay Putik. He was declared dead after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds during the attack, which occurred along a road in Barangay Putik, particularly in front of the local power utility facility of Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative.
Sudden attack by riding-in-tandem suspects
Based on an initial police report, the victim was walking along the road with a companion from Barangay Pasonanca shortly before the shooting. Authorities said the companion had already turned back toward Pasonanca while Francisco continued walking deeper into the road.
Moments later, two suspects riding a motorcycle suddenly appeared and, without any apparent provocation, opened fire on the victim.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots before the suspects quickly fled the scene.
Responding police officers recovered around six empty shell casings from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene, indicating the assailants fired multiple shots at close range.
Francisco sustained fatal wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and manhunt underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the killing and identify the perpetrators. Police are currently reviewing possible leads, including whether the attack was targeted or related to previous disputes.
A manhunt has also been initiated for the suspects, who remain at large.
Mayor renews call for total gun ban
Following the latest shooting, Khymer Olaso Esperansao renewed his push for a citywide total gun ban, formally requesting the local council to pass an ordinance that would prohibit firearms across the entire city.
Esperansao said the measure aims to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and prevent criminal elements from operating in the city.
The mayor admitted that the widespread presence of illegal firearms has long been a problem in Zamboanga City, even before he assumed office.
According to him, the availability of unlicensed guns is a major factor behind the recurring riding-in-tandem shootings and other violent crimes.
“This is one thing we want to neutralize,” the mayor said, stressing that stricter controls are necessary to deprive criminals of weapons used in attacks.
Debate expected
The proposal for a total gun ban is expected to spark debate among residents and policymakers, as the city continues to grapple with recurring shooting incidents.
Local authorities, however, insist that stronger measures may be needed to address the persistent circulation of illegal firearms and improve public safety.
Police urged anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to immediately report to the nearest police station as the investigation continues.