Head of Zamboanga City register of deeds dead in ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Lawyer Jaybee Robert Villarin Baguinda, head of the Office of City Register of Deeds here, was gunned down past 11 a.m. on Friday, police said.

According to Police Colonel Kimberly Molitas, acting city police director, Baguinda’s killing happened at a store along Rizal Street in Barangay Zone 4, just a walking distance from the offices of various departments of City Hall, and around 400 meters away from the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

Molitas condemned the killing, describing it as brutal. She added that they are now pursuing two male suspects who were seen fleeing the scene aboard a black Suzuki Raider motorcycle.

Molitas added that they are now reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence to identify and apprehend the suspects.

“We want to reassure the public that ZCPO is fully committed to solving this case and bringing those responsible to justice,” Molitas said.

Baguinda is the fifth victim of a shooting in this city in January.

Last Jan. 22, couple Fathie Loong and pregnant wife Bai Rivalia Sanday Loong were shot and killed in Barangay Boalan.

Last January 19, around 8:10 p.m., Marilyn Julaidi, 40, of Phase 3 Bamboo House in Barangay Kasanyangan, survived a shooting by an unidentified suspect.

READ: 2 agrarian reform beneficiaries hurt in Capiz shooting

On January 14, Correction Officer 1 Abdelkarim Buqueg Jamjiron, 39, who is assigned to San Ramon Penal Colony, was arrested for making grave threats using his service firearm.

Last January 5, Michael Cabayacruz Naranjo, 38, of Upper Muruk, Barangay Pasonanca, was shot to death.