ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police Brigadier General Elmer E Ragay, regional director, of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9, has immediately ordered his Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to conduct a speedy investigation to identify the suspects who killed a Basilan judge in Zamboanga City, on November 12.
“Let us be clear: we will do all legal means to identify and apprehend those responsible for this crime. I have ordered the immediate activation of the Special Investigation Task Group to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. We will pursue every lead, strengthen coordination among our operating units, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law,” PBGen Ragay said.
PRO 9 assures the public that all investigative and law enforcement efforts will be conducted with utmost urgency, professionalism, and strict adherence to due process. This PRO remains committed to uncovering the truth, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rule of law.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim, Judge Joseph Wee Sit, presiding judge of Branch 2, Regional Trial Court, Isabela City, Basilan was riding alone in his vehicle and while passing along Tumaga-Putik Road at around 5:25 a.m., two suspects riding a white motorcycle stopped him and opened fire on him.
Upon receiving a report from a concerned citizen, personnel of Zamboanga City Police Station 7 immediately responded to the scene. The victim, who sustained gunshot wounds, was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival at around 6:30 a.m. that day.
According to Ragay, with the activation of the SITG, PRO 9 will intensify investigative efforts, consolidate available intelligence and forensic evidence, establish the identities and possible motives of the perpetrators, and pursue all necessary leads to ensure their identification and eventual arrest.
He also called on the public who witnessed the crime to cooperate with the police so that justice can be served immediately for the murder of the victim.
