MOTORCYCLE-RIDING gunmen have killed a government official in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province, the police said Thursday, May 24.

The Isabela City police station identified the victim as Jordan Juaini, 41, the civil registrar officer of that city.

The police said Juaini was riding tandem in a motorcycle driven by his companion when he was shot and killed shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday along Rojas Avenue in Isabela Eastside village, while they were on the way to City Hall coming from the city proper.

Juaini was rushed but failed to reach alive in the hospital, the police said.

The Isabela City police are conducting an in-depth probe to establish the motive as well as identify to suspects behind the incident.

Juaini has previously served as the information officer during the stint of the late Basilan Governor Jum Akbar.

Isabela City Mayor Al-Qaid Akbar, Jum's son, appointed Juaini as the city registrar officer when he was elected and has assumed office. (SunStar Philippines)