A LONE suspect behind the death of Imam Bedejim Baylon Abdullah has been identified by local police.
Police Colonel Allen Rae Co, Baguio City Police Office city director, said the case against suspected gunman Joselito Fernando Vidad was filed January 6 at the City Prosecutor’s Office as he appealed to citizens to continue to help the police to pinpoint the location of the lone suspect.
Co said the police is awaiting for the release of the warrant of arrest by the prosecutor’s office for the apprehension of Vidad.
Investigation by Station 7 showed Vidad shot to death Imam Abdullah back in 2018 as revealed by a witness who came forward to the police December 19, 2019 and revealed a cash reward of P 50,000 was promised in exchange of the life of the Imam to be given in a staggered basis.
The witness has not disclosed who ordered the hit but positively identified Vidad to be the shooter based on photos and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage provided by the police.
Co said all pieces of evidence and pertinent documents were consolidated and a case of murder was filed against Vidad.
On December 6, 2018, Imam Abdullah was shot to death at noon at the intersection of Kayang and Shugum Street. He sustained several gunshot wounds and was rushed to the hospital but did not make it alive.
On the same day, a calibre .45 Remington 1911 believed to be owned by the gunman was recovered by responding personnel of Police Station 7 and Scene of the Crime Operatives at the Magnolia Alley of Maharlikha Livelihood Center which accidentally hit a sales lady when the gunman dropped the firearm before fleeing.
The sales lady was brought to the hospital for treatment.
The brutal killing of the Muslim leader drew condemnation from the community as Imam Bedejim was well loved by all sectors.
Imam gunman identified
Co said the case saImam gunman identified
w a breakthrough when the witness decided to come forward and talk to police and thanks the efforts of the Muslim community as well as the intercession of Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong for helping break the case.
He added that the police are looking into several angles of the case which include, love triangle, business, personal grudge, religious altercations as well as the mastermind of the crime if Vidad is found to be a hired gunman as the witness disclosed.
The police chief has requested to keep the identity of the witness for protection as well as further information to aid investigation.
Previously, the BCPO formed the Special Investigation Task Group Bedejim to focus on solving the murder of the slain Imam.