A barangay councilman in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan was shot dead at a bus terminal in Barangay Malinis, Lamitan City.
Police identified the victim as Nadzri Tarahin, an Islamic teacher and councilman of Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo town.
Based on initial investigation, the victim was reportedly waiting for his daughter when unidentified gunman shot him multiple times on October 21, 2025.
The suspect then fled on board a pickup truck along with his cohorts riding a motorcycle without a license plate on October 21, 2025.
The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police officers launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to the arrest of two suspects.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were two caliber .45 pistols, ammunition, a motorcycle, and sachets of suspected shabu worth around P13,400.
Authorities are still pursuing another suspect identified as alias “Nas,” as of this writing.
Investigators are eyeing alleged revenge as motive.
The suspects arrested are now detained and will face charges for murder and violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).
The Provincial Government of Basilan has condemned the killing of Tarahin.
In a statement, Governor Mujiv Hataman described the killing of Tarahin as a direct attack not only on his life but also on the spirit of peace fought hard to build in the province.
“Ang buhay ni Ustadz Nadzrie Tarahin, o mas kilala bilang Ustadz Bahang, ay simbolo ng pag-asa at pagbabago. Mula sa karahasan, pinili niyang magbalik-loob at yakapin ang kapayapaan—isang hakbang na nagbigay inspirasyon sa marami na maniwalang kayang magbago ang sinuman kapag pinili ang tamang landas,” Hataman said.
Hataman called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for Tarahin, his family, and the peace he championed.
He also assured that the provincial government will cooperate to expedite the investigation.
“Ang nangyaring pagpaslang kay Ustadz Bahang ay hindi dapat magdulot ng takot o pangamba sa mga nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan, bagkus magsilbing paalala na ang kapayapaan ang tanging landas tungo sa tunay na pagbabago at pag-unlad,” Hataman added.
