Authorities eye family feud in killing of farmer in Basilan

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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities eyed rido or family feud as the reason behind the killing of a farmer in Lantawan town in Basilan province on Wednesday (June 30).

“We were informed that this shooting incident was not perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf group, but more of family feud or rido,” said Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, commander of the Army’s Joint Task Force Basilan.

Gobway said that the victim, Hamid Barhama Aisal, 38, of Masola village in Isabela City, set out for the farm in Calugusan village with three others at around 4 a.m. when they were fired upon.

Aisal died on the spot.

Authorities later found out that an M16 rifle was used to strafe Aisal and his three companions who are now in hiding due to fears.

According to Police Lieutenant Nasser Maruji of the Lantawan police station, Aisal, also known as Omar, was earlier implicated in a shooting incident in Isabela City where a government militia, identified as Poteh Hallang, was killed.

The attack on Aisal was believed to be a reprisal for Holland’s death.

JPV