PNP condemns Basilan judge killing, orders intensified manhunt
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A judge from Isabela City, Basilan was killed after unidentified gunmen ambushed his vehicle in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City early Thursday morning, Nov. 12. Contributed via Queenie CasimiroMANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has condemned the killing in Zamboanga City of a regional trial court judge, as it ordered an intensified manhunt for the gunmen behind the attack.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. condemned the killing of Basilan Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Joseph Wee Sit, who was shot dead along Tumaga-Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga on Thursday, November 12.
Initial police investigation showed that two unidentified suspects aboard a white motorcycle approached Sit’s vehicle and fired several shots before fleeing toward Tumaga Bypass Road.
The PNP has activated a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to lead a swift and thorough investigation into the killing.
Nartatez directed concerned police units to intensify operations to track down and arrest the suspects, vowing to exhaust all available resources to hold them accountable.
He described the attack as an assault on the judiciary, stressing that judges must be able to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
“We will leave no stone unturned in pursuing those responsible. We will exhaust all available resources to ensure their arrest and hold them accountable for this senseless crime,” Nartatez said in a statement.
The PNP chief also said the police would coordinate with the judiciary to review and strengthen security arrangements for judges and court personnel.