THREE people were killed, including a poll watcher, while two others were injured in an alleged misencounter off Hadji Muhtamad town, Basilan on Election Day, May 12, 2025.
The incident happened around 1:45 a.m., Monday near Sangbay Big, an island village in Hadji Muhtamad.
Killed were Murasidul Kidong Abduarahman, poll watcher; Samier Allil Jamiri; and Ben Bakil.
Wounded were Haber Alih and Zaldy Alih. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Police Major Nursaibar Mahadi, Hadji Muhtamad chief of police, said in his report that his personnel, together with Special Action Company policemen, were conducting seaborne patrol when they chanced upon a motorboat with eight armed men on board.
"When the team approached for verification, the individuals onboard the motorboat refused to stop and suddenly opened fire, which prompted the team to retaliate triggering a five-minute firefight," Mahadi said in his report.
He said three of the gunmen jumped overboard. No one was injured on the government troops.
Meanwhile, Hanah Mansul, wife of mayoralty aspirant, Jamar, clarified that the victims are followers and supporters of her husband.
Mansul said her husband was travelling aboard a speedboat along with his supporters on two motorboats to Sangbay Big from Dansalan island village when a group of gunmen aboard on another motorboat attacked them.
She said her husband was unscathed and safely landed in Sangbay Big.
Mansul refused to elaborate but appears they know who are the attackers.
Jamar is one of the three mayoralty aspirants in Hadji Muhtamad as the fourth one withdrew from the race.
Danny Sahi, Jamar's brother-in-law, said Jamar and his supporters were unarmed at the incident.
"They are there to vote," Sahi said.
Jamar has served as mayor of Hadji Muhtamad from 2013 to 2019. (SunStar Zamboanga)