ZAMBOANGA CITY - An Isabela City government employee working for peace and order and illegal drug prevention was shot dead in front of his house in Isabela City, Basilan province on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Isabela City police station chief Police Lt. Col. Raymond Sanson identified the victim as Ricardo "Rix" Laguardia, 30.
Investigation disclosed that Laguardia was about to enter his residence when one of two gunmen on board a motorcyle shot him.
The suspects fled toward the inner portion of Barangay San Rafael while the victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.
Police found three .45 caliber cartridges at the crime scene.
Laguardia is an LGBTQIA member and the assistant focal person for peace, order, and public security.
He also served as head of the secretariat of the City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council of the city government of Isabela City.
Isabela City Mayor Djialia Turabin Hataman condemned the murder and asked the Isabela City police to fast-track the investigation to identify the suspects.
This is the second shooting incident in Isabela City despite the implementation of the election gun ban.