Lamitan City, Basilan—A 38-year-old Yakan motorist, identified as Pidey Hajalun Nasir, was killed in an ambush by armed assailants along a section of the highway in Kahibaan, Barangay Santa Clara, at dusk on Friday, December 15, 2024.
According to separate statements from the Lamitan City Police Station and the Basilan Provincial Police Office, Nasir was riding a motorcycle with his wife as his passenger when the attack occurred. The assailants, lying in wait at the roadside, opened fire, hitting Nasir multiple times.
Nasir, a resident of Akbar municipality in Basilan, was declared dead at the scene, succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds. His wife, who was with him during the ambush, survived the incident but was reportedly traumatized. The perpetrators fled the scene swiftly, evading immediate capture.
The incident took place not far from Lamitan City, raising concerns about the safety and security of residents in the area. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the killing, with initial reports suggesting that personal grudge may have been a factor.
The ambush highlights the persistent challenge of armed violence in Basilan, a province long troubled by lawlessness and sporadic attacks from armed groups. Local officials and residents have renewed calls for heightened security measures to ensure the safety of commuters and communities.
As investigations continue, the Basilan Provincial Police Office has urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.