Baguio police release images of PMA imam murder suspect

MANILA, Philippines — Police released CCTV images of the suspect's face in the killing of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) imam Bedejim Abdullah on its Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the killer of the imam, a popular personality in the Muslim community.

According to local news reports, a Muslim community group from Marawi City is offering a P1-million reward for information that would lead to the capture of the suspect.
 

READ: PMA Imam shot dead in Baguio

Abdullah was killed on December 6 along the corner of Shugum Street and Kayang Street in Baguio City.

CCTV video show the suspect sneaking up behind Abdullah before shooting him four times and running off.

The PMA said in a statement last week that Abdullah had been supporting PMA’s Muslim community for nearly 17 years, providing “invaluable support to the command.”

READ: PMA asks for help in solving murder of Baguio imam

He was teaching at the PMA as early as last March, substituting for another imam who was on leave.

Police have yet to determine a motive behind the killing, but Abdullah Samsoden Monib, a friend and colleague of the victim said that the imam had no personal or business enemies.

However, he mentioned that Abdullah had been receiving threats from alleged fundamentalist groups.

"If you are spreading the right teaching, then you can be sure that other sectors will threaten you," he added.

Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to call the Baguio City Police Office with information at the following numbers:

0917-575-8993

0998-598-7754

0998-967-4342

— Ryan Macasero