LANTAWAN, Basilan — A man listed as one of Basilan province’s most wanted individuals was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while taking a bath in Barangay Baungis, Lantawan, on Tuesday morning, June 16.
The victim was identified by authorities as Sherham Allus Lain, also known by the alias “Lupin,” 36, a resident of Barangay Baungis. Police records showed that Lain was the third most wanted person in Basilan province, facing charges of two counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder.
According to the report of the Lantawan Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. Initial investigation revealed that Lain was bathing when three unidentified armed men suddenly emerged from a nearby bushy area and opened fire on him using firearms believed to be chambered in 5.56mm caliber.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, causing his instantaneous death.
Authorities were informed of the incident at approximately 2:00 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of police personnel led by PCMS Maksal S. Hassan. Responding officers were joined by members of the Basilan Provincial Forensic Unit headed by PCPT Al-Habsi S. Uhon, in coordination with local government officials and nearby units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Crime scene investigators recovered four spent cartridge cases believed to have been fired from an M16 rifle. The recovered evidence has been submitted for ballistic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators said initial findings suggest that the killing may have stemmed from a personal grudge, although authorities have yet to establish the exact motive behind the attack. The identities of the suspects also remain unknown.
Despite the victim’s status as a wanted individual, police emphasized that the case will be thoroughly investigated.
Basilan Provincial Director Police Colonel Cerrazid A. Umabong assured the public that law enforcement authorities are exhausting all efforts to solve the case and bring those responsible to justice.
“We have directed all concerned units to intensify hot pursuit operations and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Our priority is to identify, locate, and arrest the suspects at the soonest possible time,” Umabong said.
The provincial police director further stressed that every crime must be investigated regardless of the victim’s background.
“Every crime must be investigated and every offender must be held accountable. We encourage the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and provide any information that may help in the immediate resolution of this case,” he added.
Meanwhile, joint police and military units have launched hot pursuit operations across the area as investigators continue to pursue leads that may help identify the gunmen and determine the motive behind the fatal attack.
The victim’s remains were subsequently turned over to his family and laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial traditions.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.