Market chief killed in Basilan gun attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Gun­men attacked and killed Friday the market superintendent of Isabela City, Basilan while two others were wounded by stray bullets, according to police officials.

The victim was identified as Basher Hajan, Isabela City market superintendent while wounded were Jocelyn del Cuesta, a public school teacher and Faisar Agging, a passerby.

The Isabela City police investigator said that Hajan was on board his motorcycle and Del Cuesta as his back-rider when the unidentified suspects, also on board a motorcycle, blocked their path and fired at close range the market official at Barangay Sta. Cruz past 7 p.m. Friday.

Hajan died on the spot while Del Cuesta was hit on her leg. Police said Agging who was passing nearby was also caught and wounded from the crossfire.

Isabela City police commander Chief Inspector Albert Larubis said investigators believed the shooting could be job related but did not discount possible extortion activity by suspected Abu Sayyaf group, who remained active in Basilan Island.  – Roel Pareño