Imam shot in broad daylight

A MUSLIM cleric and preacher was killed inside a public market in Baguio City on Thursday, November, police said.

Chief Superintendent Eliseo Tanding, OIC city director of the Baguio City Police Office said Imam Bedejim Abdullah was shot twice in the head and thrice in the body by still unidentified assailants around 11 a.m.

Abdullah served as a Muslim cleric at the Philippine Military Academy and preaches at Discover Islam Baguio, a religious school.

“As of this time, we are still awaiting for the results of the medico-legal findings and will soon give a release,” Tanding said.

The Imam was rushed to the hospital after the shooting while a hot pursuit operation is ongoing against possible suspects.

Abdullah, who is the vice chairman of the multi sectoral regional advisory council of the Cordillera police have previously denounced all forms of extremism.

Baguio City Vice Mayor Edison Bilog meanwhile condemned the murder of Abdullah and has sought full investigation of the killing.

“I condemned to the highest degree the brutal slaying of a good and peace loving man,” Bilog in a statement said.

The City Council will act on a resolution to be filed by Committee on Human Rights and Justice chairperson Councilor Faustino Olowan condemning the barbaric act and calling for an immediate investigation of the murder next week.

Abdullah also hosted a radio program on Muslim Affairs and advocated for

an understanding of Islam and helped set up mosques in the city to give places of worship for Muslims.

Abdulah was also a nature enthusiast and organized events in biking, running and marathons.