TIPO-TIPO, Basilan – A 35-year-old man was shot dead by an unidentified assailant while sitting on the terrace of his home in Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, on Monday evening, July 20, prompting authorities to launch an extensive manhunt for the suspect.
The victim was identified as Abdulnawaf Arilin Tanasalun, a resident of Barangay Badja.
According to the Tipo-Tipo Municipal Police Station (MPS), the shooting occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. Police received the incident report about ten minutes later, at 6:25 p.m., triggering an immediate response from law enforcement personnel.
Responding to the scene were police officers led by PCPT Sam I. Adam, Chief of Police of the Tipo-Tipo MPS, together with personnel from the 1st Basilan Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st BPMFC) and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion–Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (RMFB-BASULTA).
Initial investigation revealed that Tanasalun was peacefully seated on the terrace of his residence when an unidentified gunman suddenly approached and, without any apparent provocation, fired two shots that struck him in the neck. The assailant immediately fled on foot toward the mountainous area of Barangay Badja after the attack.
The wounded victim was rushed to Lamitan District Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, despite efforts by attending physician Dr. Arnie Jude Carido, Tanasalun was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Crime scene investigators recovered two spent cartridge cases, believed to have been fired from a .45 caliber pistol, which have been submitted for forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the fatal shooting, and the identity of the gunman remains unknown.
In response, the Tipo-Tipo MPS has launched dragnet and hot pursuit operations in coordination with adjacent police stations, the RMFB-BASULTA, the 1st BPMFC, and the 45th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army to locate and arrest the suspect.
Police investigators are likewise maintaining close coordination with the victim’s family and other possible witnesses to gather additional information that could help determine the motive and identify the perpetrator.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to bring the gunman to justice and ensure accountability for the fatal attack.