A Muslim Imam has died after he was shot multiple times in Baguio City’s business district yesterday by a still unidentified assailant.
Bedejim Abdullah, 55 years old, was an Imam or cleric for Muslims in the Philippine Military Academy, Radyo Inquirer reported. According to Rappler, he was also a counselor for Muslims in the Baguio City jail and hosted a radio program for a local radio station.
According to Radyo Inquirer, the incident happened in Baguio City’s Barangay (Village) Azkco at around 11:30am. He was about to enter Discovery Islam, a school where he preaches Islamic teachings, when the gunman came up to him and started to shoot.
Abdullah was shot in the head twice and in the body three times, Rappler reported.
The crime was caught by a CCTV camera in the area, according to ABS-CBN News. In the footage, the suspect who was wearing a jacket can be seen shooting Abdullah then running away towards the main road.
People in the area tried to run after the gunman but to no avail.
A witness said that the suspect removed his clothes while running away and, in the process, accidentally shot a salesperson on her calf when he dropped his gun, the same ABS-CBN News report states. The salesperson is currently recuperating in a hospital.
Recovered from the crime scene were six empty bullet shell casings and two slugs.
Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s motive but have found that the victim had no known enemies.
However, Abdullah Samsoden Monib, the victim’s friend, told The Philippine Star that the latter had been receiving threats from alleged fundamentalist groups.
According to The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Abdullah had denounced extremism while Rappler reported that he helped organize peace events with other religious leaders.
Abdullah will be buried in Bulacan, according to ABS-CBN News.
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