UNGKAYA PUKAN, Basilan — A 17-year-old boy was killed while another man was wounded after unidentified gunmen ambushed them shortly after midnight on July 27 in Barangay Cabangalan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, highlighting the continuing challenge of gun-related violence in the Bangsamoro region despite the implementation of the ongoing total gun ban.
According to the Ungkaya Pukan Municipal Police Station (UPMPS), the fatality was identified only by his alias “Jamir,” a resident of Barangay Mebak in Sumisip, Basilan. The wounded victim, identified only by the alias “Abu,” remains under medical treatment while authorities continue to verify his identity.
Police said the two victims had attended a wedding celebration in Barangay Cabangalan before heading home on board a Kawasaki motorcycle. At approximately 12:15 a.m., while travelling along the village road, unidentified armed men suddenly opened fire on them, hitting both victims multiple times.
“Jamir” sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead by the attending physician, while “Abu” survived the attack and was immediately transported to the nearest medical facility in Sumisip for emergency treatment.
Responding personnel from the Ungkaya Pukan Municipal Police Station immediately secured the crime scene and conducted an initial investigation. Investigators recovered 28 spent cartridge cases, which were properly marked, inventoried, and taken into police custody for forensic examination.
Authorities have yet to establish the identities of the attackers or determine the motive behind the ambush. Follow-up investigations and hot pursuit operations remain ongoing.
The UPMPS said it is closely coordinating with the 45th Infantry Battalion, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B, intelligence units, and barangay officials to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The latest shooting adds to the growing number of gun-related incidents recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), even as a total gun ban remains in force in preparation for the region’s parliamentary elections.
The continuing violence has raised concerns over the effectiveness of security measures aimed at preventing the unauthorized carrying and use of firearms during the election period. While law enforcement agencies have intensified checkpoints, patrols, and firearm enforcement operations across the region, armed attacks and shooting incidents continue to occur in several provinces, underscoring the persistent security challenges confronting authorities.
Police urged anyone with information that could help identify the perpetrators to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station as efforts continue to bring those responsible to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing.