A board member of the provincial government of Basilan was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Based on the initial reports from the Sumisip Municipal Police Station as obtained by Radyo Komunidad, the victim was identified as Nasser 'Jackson' Asarul, a 2nd District board member.
Asarul was reportedly eating with his group in front of Sumisip District Hospital in Brgy. Basak, Sumisip, Basilan when another group, led by suspect Basid Kari Karim, confronted them.
As the confrontation heated, the suspect reportedly shot at Asarul and his associate.
The provincial board member was rushed to Lamitan District Hospital but was declared on arrival.
Police authorities recovered three empty shells of caliber .45 and fifteen empty M16 rifle cartridges at the crime scene.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Basilan expressed its profound grief in Asarul's untimely demise.
"The Provincial Government of Basilan headed by Governor Jim Salliman deeply mourns the untimely demise of Board Member Nasser Asarul of the 2nd District in a shooting incident in Sumisip Municipality," it said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
The Basilan Provincial Government called on local police and military authorities "to leave no stone unturned in the investigation."
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and supporters of the late BM Asarul," it said.
The City Government of Isabela, Basilan also mourned the passing of the board member.
"BM Asarul has been serving as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan since 2016 working for and on behalf of his constituency. He is also the father of Isabela City Councilor Khaleedsher Asarul," it said in a separate statement.
"May Almighty Allah SWT make him dwell in Jannatul Firdaus," it added.