A village councilor was shot and killed by a motorcycle-riding gunman in Zamboanga City during the early hours of Saturday, November 22, according to local authorities.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Julambri Utubara, a 28-year-old councilor from Manicahan village, was attacked around 1:20 a.m. on Martha Drive in Sta. Catalina village. Police Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., director of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), confirmed the incident occurred while the victim was driving his own motorcycle.
The suspect, who was also riding a motorcycle, opened fire on Utubara before fleeing the scene. Investigators reported that the assailant took the victim's cellular phone before escaping. Emergency responders rushed Utubara to Zamboanga City Medical Center via ambulance, but medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) teams recovered two empty .45-caliber pistol shells from the crime scene, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation. Colonel Fortaleza stated that authorities are currently reviewing footage from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area to identify the suspect and establish the motive behind the killing.
"We are tracing video captured by CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the crime scene to establish the identity of the suspect," Fortaleza confirmed. The investigation continues as police work to determine why Utubara was targeted in the violent attack.
Community Reaction and Victim Profile
Manicahan Village Chairperson Erolyn Barredo expressed deep sadness over the death of Utubara, who also worked as an event planner. Barredo explained that the councilor frequently stayed overnight at a friend's home on Martha Drive in Sta. Catalina village after late-night activities, since their barangay is located far from the city proper.
According to Barredo, Utubara had previously served as the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson of Manicahan and had no known enemies. "He didn't have any threats in his life, according to his parents," Barredo added, highlighting the shocking nature of the incident for the community.
The brutal killing has left local residents concerned about safety as police continue their investigation into this targeted attack on a public servant.
