Teacher shot in Basilan ahead of Eleksyon 2025

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A teacher who was set to serve as an electoral board member at a school in Basilan was shot by unidentified assailants on Sunday, just a day before the National and Local Elections (NLE).

According to Colonel Jay-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), the female teacher was riding a motorcycle from Lantawan, Isabela earlier Sunday, May 11, 2025 when she was ambushed in Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan.

The teacher was supposed to serve at a school in Barangay Mangas, Lantawan during the election.

WestMinCom reported that the suspects are still unidentified, but the victim is receiving treatment at a hospital and is now out of danger.

Colonel Javines stated, "We still need to investigate the motive behind the shooting. Fortunately, she is now out of harm's way."

In response to the incident, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) WestMinCom has doubled security measures for those serving as electoral board members and other election-related assignments.

"The teachers will go with our security forces. We will have a convoy security, providing them with military escorts and military convoy aboard military vehicles," said Colonel Javines.

This shooting incident is separate from another case of election-related violence that occurred in Barangay Langil Island, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

According to WestMinCom, there was an exchange of gunfire between supporters of two rival camps.

WestMinCom's statement indicated, "The confrontation involved the group of mayoralty aspirant Talib G. Pawaki of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and the group associated with Municipal Councilor aspirant Muhammad Hassan of the Basilan Unity Party (BUP)."

Preliminary reports suggest that both parties engaged in an exchange of fire, resulting in two confirmed fatalities — one from each side — and one wounded individual from Mayor Pawaki's camp.

Colonel Javines explained, "They were supposed to be there to prepare the precinct for tomorrow's elections. They were fired upon unexpectedly. Fortunately, the mayor was protected by his bodyguard, and other members of his party responded, leading to the exchange of fire."

Despite the incidents, WestMinCom assured that the election will proceed as planned, with increased security measures in place.

"As of now, the area is pacified and stable. The election will proceed tomorrow, and we have beefed up security in Barangay Langil. We have added more forces to secure the area," said Colonel Javines. "According to the information we received, there is no declaration of suspending the election tomorrow." — BAP, GMA Integrated News