MABUHAY, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — A retired Army soldier was brutally killed after being shot in the head by two unidentified assailants in Sitio Subanuhan, Barangay San Roque, on the afternoon of December 23, 2025.
Police identified the victim as Roger Salem, 54, married, and a resident of Barangay Tandu-comot in the same town.
Initial investigation from the Mabuhay Municipal Police Station revealed that the victim was walking along the road when two suspects stopped him and confronted him. One of the suspects reportedly drew a firearm and attempted to shoot Salem, but the weapon initially malfunctioned.
The victim was able to resist and fight back, according to police, but the second suspect suddenly attacked him, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. Seizing the opportunity, the first suspect reportedly fired again—this time hitting Salem in the forehead with a caliber .45 handgun. The gunshot wound proved fatal.
After the attack, the suspects immediately fled toward an unknown direction, leaving the victim lifeless along the road.
Police investigators are now pursuing leads to identify the suspects behind the shooting, as well as the possible motive for the crime.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the swift resolution of the case, as Salem’s family mourns the loss of a loved one who once served the country in uniform.