ISABELA CITY, Basilan — A 32-year-old buko juice vendor is now fighting for his life after he was shot multiple times by an unidentified gunman in a brazen attack along the boundary of Barangay Busay and Barangay Begang on Friday afternoon.
The victim was identified as Jay Tomel Yeetay, a married resident who earns a living selling fresh coconut juice in the area. According to witnesses, the incident occurred shortly after 5:00 p.m. while Yeetay was seated at his roadside stall attending to his business.
Initial accounts from eyewitnesses revealed that the suspect suddenly approached the unsuspecting vendor and opened fire at close range. The gunman reportedly fired several shots, hitting the victim in different parts of the body before swiftly fleeing the scene.
The attack sent nearby residents and passersby into panic as gunfire echoed through the area. Concerned civilians immediately rushed to assist the wounded vendor and coordinated efforts to bring him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Medical personnel continue to monitor Yeetay’s condition, which authorities described as critical due to the severity of the gunshot wounds he sustained.
Police investigators have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident and are pursuing all possible leads to identify and apprehend the suspect. As of press time, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
Investigators are examining whether the shooting was connected to a personal dispute, business-related conflict, or other possible motives. They are also reviewing witness statements and gathering additional evidence from the crime scene to aid in the identification of the gunman.
Law enforcement authorities have initiated a hot pursuit operation and are coordinating with local communities to track down the suspect, who remains at large.
The shooting has raised concerns among residents of the area, who expressed alarm over the violence that unfolded in broad daylight in a busy community zone.
Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspect to immediately report it to the nearest police station.
Authorities emphasized that community cooperation remains crucial in ensuring the swift resolution of the case and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing.