Baptist pastor in Basilan killed for his motorcycle, says Army official

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A Baptist pastor in Basilan was killed by unidentified gunmen late on Wednesday (Sept. 16) apparently to take his motorcycle, according to authorities.

Col. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Army’s Joint Task Force Basilan, said Dennis De Villa, of Isabela City, was gunned down past 6 p.m. at the village of Badja in Tipo-tipo town.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the head which resulted in his immediate death.

Gobway said De Villa was heading home after conducting a Bible study session among members of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion when attacked by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

After the shooting, the suspects took the victim’s motorcycle and fled to the direction of Lamitan City.

Carjacking could be the motive for the killing, said Gobway, citing an initial report by the Basilan police.

TSB