ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police authorities have launched an intensified manhunt to track down the gunman responsible for the killing of an Egyptian national in an attack that shocked residents on Saturday evening.
Col. Fidel Fortaleza Jr., chief of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), said police teams were immediately mobilized following the shooting, which occurred around 6:20 p.m. along the boundary of Barangays Lumbangan and Divisoria. Responding officers secured the area and began tracing the possible escape route of the assailant.
The victim, identified through a recovered driver’s license as Abdalrahman Elshawadfy Mohammed Elfaky, was found lifeless inside his vehicle. Initial investigation revealed that he was driving along the road when a motorcycle-riding gunman approached from the side, fired multiple shots at close range, and sped away before bystanders could react.
Fortaleza said investigators are now reviewing ballistic evidence, witness statements, and CCTV footage in the vicinity to piece together the assailant’s movements before and after the attack. He added that they are exploring all possible motives behind the killing, including personal, professional, and other angles connected to the victim’s activities in the city.
City Councilor Fredrick Atilano, who chairs the Committee on Peace and Order, emphasized that a full and meticulous investigation is underway. According to him, several surveillance cameras captured portions of the gunman’s route, and authorities are now enhancing the videos to get clearer visuals.
Atilano also confirmed that the victim had been temporarily residing in Zamboanga City and was reportedly managing the Asia Academic School located in Barangay Tetuan. He said the local government is coordinating closely with the police to ensure swift progress in the case.
He appealed to residents who may have seen the gunman, the motorcycle used, or any suspicious activity before or after the incident to immediately come forward. Atilano assured that all information shared with the authorities will be handled with strict confidentiality.
Authorities said more updates will be released as soon as significant breakthroughs are made in the investigation.