By Sam Ramos
A drive-by shooting on Saturday morning claimed the life of a provincial election officer’s elder brother, while the official himself emerged unharmed.
The victim was identified as 57-year-old Naser Amil Asiri, elder brother of Provincial Election Supervisor Vidzfar Amil Julie, 51. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. in Sitio Villa Sta. Maria, Barangay Sta. Maria.
According to police, Julie and his brother were traveling home from Zamboanga International Airport when two assailants on a motorcycle fired at their vehicle. Julie, who was driving the vehicle, said he believes he was the intended target and suggested the attack may be linked to his role as an election officer.
Julie had just arrived from Jolo and was being fetched by Asiri, who was in the passenger seat of the sports utility vehicle. The attack left Asiri fatally wounded, while Julie escaped without injury.
The Zamboanga City Police Office has initiated a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chair George Garcia denounced the incident, stating, “No words are enough to condemn this treacherous act of violence against our people. What is more gruesome and unforgivable is when a loved one is caught in the crossfire, so to speak.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and those responsible for the shooting.