HADJI MOHAMMAD AJUL, Basilan — A 51-year-old man was shot and killed while staying at a friend’s residence in Sitio Pamucalin, Barangay Tuburan Proper, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan, on Tuesday morning, September 15, 2026, according to police.
The victim was identified as Roberto C. Requerme, 51, married, and a resident of Sitio Larbeco, Barangay Limo-ok, Lamitan City.
Initial police investigation showed that Requerme, who was reportedly engaged in wild boar hunting, had gone to the area and arrived at around 11:30 a.m. He later stayed briefly on the terrace of his friend, identified by police as Alrala H. Alin.
While Requerme was at the residence, an unidentified male allegedly arrived and opened fire, hitting the victim several times.
Requerme was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention. Despite efforts to save him, he was later declared dead by attending medical personnel.
The shooting was reported to the Hadji Mohammad Ajul Municipal Police Station shortly after noon by Barangay Captain Saltot Lamla.
Police Recover 5.56mm Cartridge Case
Responding police personnel, led by PMAJ Dennis H. Alam, chief of the Hadji Mohammad Ajul Municipal Police Station, proceeded to the area after receiving the report.
Police secured the scene and conducted initial crime-scene processing, documentation and evidence gathering.
Authorities recovered one empty cartridge case believed to be from a 5.56mm firearm, according to the initial police report. Police said the recovered evidence would form part of the investigation as authorities work to determine the firearm used and identify the person responsible.
Assistance from Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) was requested for further processing of the crime scene.
However, police noted that the area had been identified as an election hotspot, prompting responding personnel to undertake the initial processing and documentation of the scene.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have yet to identify the gunman or establish a motive for the killing.
Police are continuing to gather statements, physical evidence and other information that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine the identity of the suspect.
The authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to coordinate with the police.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against any person identified as a suspect will remain subject to police investigation and the appropriate legal proceedings.