Basilan City’s ABC president shot dead in Zamboanga

Zamboanga City. INQUIRER FILES

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The president of the Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC) in Isabela City was shot dead here on Sunday, February 25, in front of the Puerta Del Ciudad Hotel at Nuñez Extension.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, the city police director, said Franklyn Galos Tan, 42, married and ABC president of Isabela City, was leaving the hotel with two companions and was about to get their things from their parked vehicle when attacked by an unidentified assassin.

Tan sustained three gunshot wounds in different parts of his body and was declared dead by an attending physician at the hospital. His companion Jaider Jundam, village chair of Kaumpurnah Zone I, sustained two gunshot wounds on his neck and left arm, while Daryl Jalani, the other companion, was unharmed.

Police said the suspect, who wore a red helmet and a gray polo shirt, immediately fled the scene aboard a black motorcycle after the shooting.

Lorenzo said the suspect fled towards the direction of Barangay Santa Cruz, around 1.4 kms from the crime scene.

Police recovered five pieces of empty shell of a caliber-45 pistol from the crime scene.

READ: Zamboanga City village chief shot dead

Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin condemned the killing. She described Tan as “the peoples’ errand,” and a “people-oriented” leader.

“Even before he became the ABC president, he was always looking after his fellow barangay officials,”Turabin said. “He served as their spokesperson when they had concerns na alanganin silang ilabas (that they were hesitant to talk about.”

Tan’s wife worked with Isabela city’s tourism office. “Whenever there are tourism events like exhibits, especially (when these events were) outside Isabela, he was always there helping set up, doing errands for the people,” Turabin said, referring to Tan.

“The local government of Isabela City is struck by this tragedy, (this) shameless and senseless killing,” she added as she enjoined the public to condemn the attack.

“We join all peace-loving and law-abiding Isabeleños in expressing in the strongest terms possible our collective outrage and condemnation of such a heinous and cowardly act,” she said.

She appealed to the leadership of the Philippine National Police to intensify their pursuit operations against the perpetrators and extended her deepest sympathy for the family of the victim.

“The incident underscores the urgent need for authorities to intensify efforts in ensuring the safety and security of every Filipino citizen. Peace and order are indispensable pillars for the growth and development of our communities in Basilan and throughout the country,” Hataman said.

“Incidents like this only sow fear and instability, hindering progress and prosperity,” he added.