(Photo courtesy of PNA)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police have launched a manhunt for motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot and killed a Basilan Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge in a drive-by attack in Zamboanga City early Thursday, November 12.
The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) identified the victim as Judge Joseph Wee Sit of the Isabela City RTC Branch 2 in Basilan.
According to police, Wee Sit was driving alone along Tumaga-Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga at around 5:25 a.m. when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on his vehicle.
The judge was reportedly heading to the local port to board the first passenger vessel bound for Isabela City, Basilan, when the attack occurred.
Investigators found five bullet holes on the driver’s side of his vehicle, indicating that multiple shots were fired during the assault.
Wee Sit was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead at around 6:30 a.m. while undergoing medical treatment.
Police are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from cameras near the crime scene to identify the suspects and establish their escape route.
The ZCPO has activated a Special Investigation and Task Group (SITG) to lead the investigation and coordinate efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the killing.
The judge’s death has shocked members of the legal community in Zamboanga City and neighboring Basilan province.
