The Zamboanga prosecutors office has dismissed the criminal case against two suspects in the shooting of two influential Saudi nationals last month.
City prosecutor Ricard Cabaron dismissed the complaint for frustrated and attempted murder filed against Mujer Abubakar Amilassan and Junaide Cadir Saleh for lack of evidence.
Amilassan and Saleh were arrested a few minutes after Dr. A’id Al-Qarni, an international lecturer and renowned author of many inspirational books worldwide, and Sheikh Turki Assaegh, religious attaché of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, were shot last March 1. Al-Qarni is reportedly on the Islamic State’s hit list.
The two suspects signed a waiver of detention after they were arrested and the prosecutors conducted a preliminary investigation.
Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, head of the National Prosecution Service, said the police could still file a motion for reconsideration within 15 days upon receipt of the resolution.
Dr. Al-Qarni had just conducted a lecture at Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City when the incident happened. He sustained three gunshot wounds on his right shoulder and the middle portion of his chest while Sheikh Assaegh sustained wounds in his right thigh and left leg.
The gunman, Misuari Kiliste Rugasan, an engineering student, was killed by security escorts.