The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has created a special investigation task group (SITG) to investigate the alleged attempt to kill Sulu election supervisor, Atty. Julie Vidzfar, in Zamboanga City, which claimed the life of her brother.
Two armed men on a motorcycle fired shots at Vidzfar’s vehicle in Barangay Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
The poll official was unharmed but her brother sustained a gunshot wound in the head and died in the hospital.
Authorities said the gunmen were wearing black jackets and full-face helmets.
Investigators recovered eight empty shells of caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene.
The Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) ordered the immediate creation of the SITG to conduct a thorough probe.
The members of the SITG include the ZCPO, key offices from the regional office, and the national support units.
“We encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any information that could support in solving this case. Your help is crucial,” ZCPO Director, Col. Kimberly Molitas, said.
“The safety and security of Zamboanga City residents remain our highest priority, and no effort will be spared in bringing justice to victims of any crime,” Molitas added.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) condemned the incident and described the ambush as ‘cowardly and barbaric act.’
“No words are enough to condemn this treacherous act of violence against our people. What is more gruesome and unforgiveable is when a loved one is caught in the crossfire so to speak. We are not yet prepared to cry hopelessness but a call for immediate action from authorities is strongly demanded,” COMELEC Chariman George Erwin Garcia said.
According to a report by GMA News Online, COMELEC said the ambush may possibly be considered as election-related violence.
Garcia said it was Vidzfar herself who was saying that the ambush might have something to do with the upcoming 2025 elections.
“Siya ang nagsasabi na mukhang ito’y election-related sapagkat meron silang mga tinanggihan na mga bagay doon sa mga ilang politico roon. Kung kaya ‘yan ang ating lead, ‘yan ang ating sinusubaybayan lalo na sa imbestigasyon na ginagawa ng PNP,” Garcia said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
(With reports from GMA News Online)
