Court orders arrest of Basilan mayor for murder

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A local court in Basilan has ordered the arrest of a municipal mayor and several others in connection with an attack that killed three people and wounded two others a few hours before the May 2025 election in Hadji Muhtamad.

The Regional Trial Court-Ninth Judicial Region Branch 2 in Isabela City on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, her husband Nadz and their relatives Walihul Allama, Tudy Bayro Hadji Rahim Kahim, Lucman Kahing and Singh Hassan.

The defendants are facing charges of murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder in connection with the death of Murasidol Abdurahman, Samir Jamiri Allil and Ben Bakil, and the wounding of Habir and Saldi, both surnamed Alih, during an attack in the waters off Basilan.

No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the defendants for the murder charge.

For frustrated and attempted murder, the court recommended bail of P200,000 and P100,000, respectively, for each count.

Records showed that on May 12, 2025, the victims were on their way to a polling site in Barangay Sangbay Big when they were attacked by gunmen on board speedboats.

The victims were supporters of mayoral candidate Hadji Jamar Abdullah Mansul, political rival of Kahing-Nanoh.

Prosecutors said Kahing-Nanoh, being the alleged owner of the speedboats, is responsible for the crime charged.

The STAR tried, but failed to reach Kahing-Nano for comment.