The president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of Isabela City, Basilan was killed while another barangay chairman was wounded after an unidentified assailant shot them outside a hotel in Zamboanga City. 

Police identified the fatality as Barangay Seaside Chairman Franklyn Tan, 42. The person wounded was identified as Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone 1 Chairman Jaider Jundam.

Their companion at that time, Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone 2 Chairman Daryl Jalani, was not hurt. 

Investigators said the three men went outside the hotel to get something from their cars when the gunman fired shots at them evening on February 25, 2024. 

The three were reportedly in Zamboanga City to attend a meeting of an organization.

“Inaalam na rin natin kung ano ang motibo sa pangyayari. Lahat ng mga anggulo tinitingnan natin in relation to this, agravio personal isa yun,” Zamboanga City Police Office Spokesperson, Major Albert Alfaro, said.

Tan sustained three gunshot wounds in different parts of his body and did not reach the hospital alive, while Jundam was hit in the neck and left shoulder.

Tan’s father, Felix, said his son had received a death threat in the past. The family is calling for justice.

“Actually, sabi niya sa akin may threat na siya… sana mabigyan natin ng hustisya, sana malaman natin kung sino talaga ang mastermind,” he said.

The Isabela City government flew the Philippine flag at half-staff as a sign of mourning for Tan’s death. The local government also condemned the incident.

Authorities are investigating the incident to identify the perpetrator and determine the motive.

“On the process tayo, tinitingnan natin ngayon ang mga footages kung ilan talaga kasi kung sa ganitong klaseng execution, it is expected na meron talagang mga back up, mga look out at may mga kasama,” Alfaro said.