LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Barangay Sabong Chairman Alvin Anamsain Aransail survived an apparent gun attack on Monday morning, September 7, after two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire on him and three companions along the highway in Barangay Sabong.
One of Aransail’s companions was wounded in the shooting, which occurred at around 9:45 a.m. and raised fresh concerns over the presence and use of firearms in the region despite the strict implementation of the gun ban.
According to Lamitan City Police Station Officer-in-Charge PLTCOL Janz Vladimir Goce Hilarion, Aransail, 39, was seated inside a waiting shed with three other individuals when the two gunmen, both reportedly wearing face masks, arrived aboard a black Honda Beat motorcycle.
The assailants allegedly fired several rounds at the group before speeding away from the area.
“The Barangay Chairman and two of his companions were unharmed. However, one identified as Antonio Solomon Escotu sustained a gunshot wound on his right buttocks,” Hilarion said in the police report.
The wounded man, identified as 28-year-old Escotu, was immediately taken to the Lamitan District Hospital for medical treatment.
The two other companions of Aransail were identified as Nurhudin Anamsain Aransail, 25, a member of the Civilian Volunteer Organization, and Ramil Eramie Jajuli, 26, a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team. Both escaped the attack without injury.
Police said the gunmen fled toward downtown Lamitan City following the shooting and reportedly continued in the direction of a neighboring municipality.
Investigators recovered six fired cartridge cases at the scene—five believed to have been fired from a 9mm pistol and another believed to have come from a caliber .45 firearm.
The recovery of cartridge cases from different firearm calibers could provide investigators with important forensic leads as they work to establish how the attack was carried out and identify the weapons used.
The incident was reported to police at around 10 a.m., prompting responding personnel led by Hilarion to proceed to the area. Police arrived at the crime scene at approximately 10:30 a.m. and began securing the area and gathering evidence.
As of the latest police report, authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the shooting.
Police have also not publicly identified the assailants or determined whether the attack was specifically directed against Aransail or involved another individual in the group.
Hilarion said follow-up investigation and pursuit operations are underway to identify, locate and arrest the two perpetrators.
Shooting Raises Questions Amid Gun Ban
The shooting comes amid the strict enforcement of the gun ban in the region, making the reported use of firearms in a public area particularly significant.
The incident underscores the continuing challenge faced by law enforcement authorities in preventing armed attacks and keeping prohibited firearms out of circulation, especially during periods when heightened security measures are in place.
The presence of armed motorcycle-riding assailants who were able to approach a group in a public area, fire several rounds and escape before authorities could apprehend them is expected to form part of the police investigation.
However, authorities have yet to say whether the firearms allegedly used in the attack were legally registered, licensed, or carried in violation of the existing gun-ban restrictions. No conclusion on the legality or ownership of the weapons can be made until investigators complete their verification.
The shooting also highlights the vulnerability of local officials and community-based peace and security personnel, particularly those who regularly operate in public spaces and interact with residents.
For now, Aransail remains unharmed, while Escotu is receiving medical attention for his gunshot wound.
Police continue to pursue the two unidentified suspects as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the motive and establish the identities of those responsible.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.