LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — A 40-year-old delivery rider employed by J&T Express was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in broad daylight in Barangay Parangbasak, Lamitan City, on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2026.
The victim was identified as Janjan Akalul y Hanjanang, a married resident of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan. He was reportedly performing his delivery duties when the fatal shooting occurred at around 4:30 p.m. in Purok Centro.
According to initial investigation reports, a suspect approached Akalul from behind and fired multiple shots at him. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to different parts of his body, resulting in his death.
The attack left the victim dead at the scene, according to the initial account of the incident. Authorities have yet to publicly establish the circumstances that led to the shooting or whether the victim had been specifically targeted.
As of the latest available information, the identity and whereabouts of the suspect or suspects remain unknown. Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the killing.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether it was connected to the victim’s work as a delivery rider or stemmed from a personal dispute, have not been determined. No conclusions about the motive or the identity of the assailant can be drawn from the available information.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and locate those responsible and establish the events leading to the fatal shooting.
The killing raises immediate questions about the circumstances under which delivery workers carry out their duties in public spaces. However, without further investigative findings, it remains unclear whether the incident was work-related or whether the victim was attacked for another reason.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities expected to pursue leads that could clarify the motive and establish accountability for the killing.