Zamboanga mayor offers P2-M reward to help capture suspects in judge’s killing

• Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso announced a P2 million reward for credible information leading to the arrest of the suspects
• Judge Joseph Wee Sit was shot inside his vehicle along Tumaga Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga
• The Supreme Court condemned the killing, warning that violence against judges threatens the justice system
• The Integrated Bar of the Philippines called for the identification and prosecution of everyone involved in the crime

A P2 million reward has been offered by Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso for information that could lead authorities to the arrest of those behind the killing of Isabela City, Basilan Regional Trial Court Judge Joseph Wee Sit.

Sit was ambushed and shot inside his vehicle on Thursday morning while traveling along Tumaga Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City. The attack prompted authorities to immediately organize a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) dedicated to identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

In a statement, Olaso said the reward would be given to anyone who could provide “credible and verifiable information” that would help establish the identities of the suspects, determine their whereabouts, and ultimately lead to their arrest.

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The mayor said the incentive was intended to assist law enforcement agencies in resolving the case and bringing those responsible to justice.

The killing drew strong condemnation from the Supreme Court, which noted that Sit would have turned 39 on November 21. The Court described his death as a “masakit na paalala sa mga panganib na kinakaharap ng mga naglilingkod sa ating mga hukuman.”

The Supreme Court further emphasized the broader implications of violence against members of the judiciary, saying that attacks on judges can undermine their ability to perform their duties without fear.

The Court also assured that its office would cooperate with the police investigation as authorities work to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines separately condemned Sit’s killing and urged the government to use every available resource to solve the case.

“Dapat gamitin ang lahat ng magagamit na yaman at kakayahan ng Estado upang agad matukoy, madakip, at mapanagot, hindi lamang ang mga salarin, kundi maging ang sinumang nag-utos, nagplano, tumulong, o nagkubli sa krimeng ito,” the IBP said.

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The group also called for stronger security measures for judges and court personnel, “lalo na yaong mga nakatalaga sa mga lugar na may mataas na antas ng panganib.”

In another report, a man sustained injuries after allegedly being attacked by seven to 10 people at a plaza in Dueñas, Iloilo. A video captured several men surrounding the victim and repeatedly kicking him during the altercation. The incident reportedly took place at the Plaza of Dueñas after the victim went there to confront a man who allegedly hurt his sibling, based on initial police information.

Meanwhile, a man was shot dead outside a school in Barangay Prinza, Teresa, Rizal, on Thursday afternoon. A report by GMA News’ “Unang Balita” said the victim was shot in the head at around 4 p.m., with the gunman fleeing immediately after the attack. A video that circulated online showed the victim lying on the ground while his live-in partner remained beside him with their infant child.

Source: KAMI.com.gh