ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two people, including a retired policeman, were killed while another was wounded during separate gun attacks at the height of the Islamic Ramadan observance and Catholic Easter celebration in Zamboanga City on Sunday, April 17.

Retired Police SSgt. Mael Salikala Elih, 52, was about to ride his motorcycle along Lustre Street, Sta. Barbara for his nightly prayer at the mosque when two men riding on a motorcycle approached him, with the back-rider shooting him in the head.
The suspects escaped towards the direction of Barangay Sta. Catalina.
Two hours later, Nuruddin Salahuddin y Jumahari, 36, and Yahya Usman, 44, were allegedly shot by Abdulajeem Taribul in Baliwasan Chico, according to a police report.

The two victims were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center where Salahuddin was declared dead on arrival. Usman was admitted for medical treatment.
The gunman escaped after the incident.
The police recovered three spent shells of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene and are conducting investigation on both incidents.