A FORMER town official was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen in the province of Basilan, the police said Tuesday, July 2.

Police Lieutenant Colonel William Gadayan, Isabela City police chief, identified the victim as Hadji Hataan Mundi Astanan, who once serve as the municipal treasurer of Sumisip, Basilan.

Gadayan said the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, at Purok Moonlight in Sumagdang village, Isabela City.

He said investigation showed Astanan was driving a motorcycle on the way home coming from the market when shot by one of two men riding tandem on a motorcycle that tailed the victim. The suspects fled towards Cabunbata village after the incident.

The police official said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died instantaneously.

Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells of caliber .45 pistol, he added.

He said all possible motives are looked into in a bid to establish the identities of the suspects behind the incident. (SunStar Philippines)