PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A village official in Zamboanga City was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday (Nov 22) along the Martha Drive in Barangay Santa Catalina.
Police authorities identified the victim as Julambri Baring Utubara, 28, a councilor of Barangay Manicahan.
Investigators, citing the account of a witness, had established that victim was seen passing by Martha Drive on a motorcycle (Yamaha NMAX) to meet someone.
According to a witness, the victim even inquired if the place was safe, and later proceeded towards the inner portion of Martha Drive.
Several minutes later, the witness said they heard two gunshots and when they went to investigate, found the victim lying on the ground next to his motorcycle, bleeding.
The victim was immediately rushed to Zamboanga City Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators recovered two empty shells of caliber .45 pistol.
Zamboanga City Police Station 11 said its personnel are now determining the likely motive of the attack and the identity of the perpetrators. /jpv