ZAMBOANGA CITY – A businessman and his wife were shot dead in front of their four-year-old daughter in Barangay Boalan, this city, on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
JUMAWAN (Photo via Liza Jocson)
Police identified the victims as businessman Fathie Bara Loong and wife Bairivalia.
Investigation disclosed that Fathie was shot in front of their store by the suspect, 61-year-old Rolando Jumawan.
After hearing gunfire, Bairivalia, who was inside a vehicle, held on to their four-year-old daughter sitting on her lap.
The suspect approached and shot her to death. The girl was unharmed.
The suspect escaped on a motorcycle but was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 23, in Isabela City, Basilan province and presented to Mayor John Dalipe here.
Zamboanga City Police Office chief Police Col. Kimberly Molitas attributed the murder to an ongoing business dispute between the suspect, who is the owner and lessor of the property where the store is located, and the couple.
Molitas said Jumawan is facing double murder charges.
Dalipe commended the Zamboanga City Police for their swift arrest of the suspect.