Lamitan City, Basilan – A 52-year-old businessman was shot dead in an apparent assassination Thursday evening in Barangay Malinis, Lamitan City, Basilan.
The Lamitan City Police Station identified the victim as Abdurasa Madiza y Saidde, a resident of Barangay Limo-ok. According to initial reports, Madiza was driving his motorcycle home at around 6:35 p.m. when an unidentified gunman fired multiple shots at him. The businessman sustained four bullet wounds to the head and was rushed to the Lamitan District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene on a waiting motorcycle without a plate number, heading north of the city. Responding authorities recovered one spent shell and one slug from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Lamitan City police have launched an investigation and are conducting follow-up operations to determine the identity and whereabouts of the assailant. As of now, authorities have yet to establish a motive behind the killing.
Madiza was laid to rest on Friday in accordance with Muslim burial traditions.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation. The police assure the public that efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrator to justice.