LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — A 53-year-old construction worker was left seriously injured after being ambushed by unidentified gunmen in a brazen riding-in-tandem attack in Barangay Sabong on the afternoon of April 27, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Sherwin Gregorio Carin, a married resident of Barangay Sta. Clara, sustained multiple gunshot wounds after being repeatedly shot while on his way home from work in Barangay Baas.
Initial police investigation revealed that at around 4:30 p.m., Carin was driving his red Honda XRM 125 motorcycle along a road in Barangay Sabong when two suspects riding tandem approached him from behind. The backrider allegedly opened fire several times using an undetermined firearm, hitting the victim and causing him to سقوط beside his motorcycle. The suspects immediately fled towards an unknown direction.
Concerned residents who witnessed the aftermath of the attack quickly responded and alerted authorities. The incident was reported to the Lamitan City Police Station (LCPS) at approximately 4:50 p.m. through a call from the Lamitan District Hospital, where the victim was initially brought for emergency treatment.
Due to the severity of his injuries, attending physicians recommended Carin’s immediate transfer to the Zamboanga City Medical Center for advanced medical care.
Responding police officers, led by Deputy Chief of Police PLT Najir J. Jumdani, recovered the victim’s motorcycle at the scene. However, investigators noted a puzzling detail — no spent shells or bullet slugs were found at the crime scene, raising further questions about the circumstances of the shooting.
In response, the LCPS, in coordination with the 18th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and nearby police units, launched dragnet and hot pursuit operations in an effort to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Lt. Col. Elmer P. Solon, Chief of Police of Lamitan City, said authorities are exploring several angles, including the possible involvement of illegal drugs as a motive behind the attack.
“We are currently conducting a thorough investigation, and one of the angles we are focusing on is the possible involvement of illegal drugs. We assure the public that all efforts are being undertaken to identify and apprehend those responsible,” Solon said.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies to build a strong case against the perpetrators as the incident raises renewed security concerns among residents in the city.