Reelectionist barangay chief slain in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A barangay chairman seeking reelection in the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections and his brother, who was a former kagawad, were killed in an attack in this city on Sunday night.

S/Sgt. Brazir Aming Hamid, 37, of the city police’s traffic enforcement unit, was arrested in connection with the killing of Jul-Asmad Anjawang, 56, captain of Barangay Pamansaan in Mabuhay town, Zamboanga Sibugay, and his brother Jamar.

Police have yet to arrest Hamid’s companion, who fled after the attack that also left two others wounded, according to Col. Alexander Lorenzo, chief of the Zamboanga City police.

Ibrahim Nasta and his brother Haibir, who is running for councilor in Barangay Pamansaan, were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Probers have yet to confirm if the attack was related to the holding of the barangay and SK elections on Oct. 30.

They are also looking at a land dispute as the motive for the attack.

Police said Hamid is reportedly a relative of the Anjawangs.

An immediate relative of Hamid reportedly lost in a land dispute involving the Anjawangs, police said.

Investigation showed the victims were in a pick-up truck parked along Labuan Road in Barangay San Jose Gusu when they were shot at past 8:12 p.m.

Anjawang’s son, Abdurajak, told police that one of the assailants approached and shot his father who was then getting off the vehicle.

Abdurajak said the other gunman went to the driver’s side and shot his uncle Jamar and their two companions.

The assailants did not harm Abdurajak and the nine other passengers.

Jamar was declared dead on arrival at the Zamboanga City Medical Center, where his brother died while undergoing treatment.