Basilan cop gunned down in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - A Basilan-based senior police officer was gunned down after coming from a disaster training Monday  afternoon in this city, according to an official.

The slain cop was identified as Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Mamduh Abubakar Balahim, 37, a native of San Rafael, Isabela City, Basilan province and assigned with the Isabela City Polcie Station (ICPS).

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), said the victim was gunned down at Jumbo Bridge in Cadena de Amor, Barangay Guiwan about 5:15 p.m. after coming from  Disaster Search and Rescue Ma nagement Training at Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU) in Camp Col. Abendan, Barangay Mercedes.

Citing the account of a 13-year-old witness, police investigators said two assailants clad in black sweat shirts and full-face helmets on board a motorcycle tailed the victim and shot him repeatedly.

The police officer had five fatal gunshot wounds in his body,  according to Huesca.

Huesca said  investigaros are looking into the victim's personal business in Isabela City as the possible motive for the killing,  citing that prior to the incident,  the victim was overheard arguing over the phone with an unidentified caller. - Roel Pareño