Islamic preacher shot dead in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 22, 2023): Islamic preacher shot dead in Southern Philippines

COTABATO CITY - Police mounted an investigation into the killing of an Islamic preacher who was gunned down by a lone attacker in the southern Filipino city of Cotabato.

Police Major John Vincent Bravo said the 32-year old Mohammad Hessam Midtimbang was shot late Monday afternoon while about to board his car in downtown Cotabato. The victim was the son of Cotabato City Administrator Abdulwahab Midtimbang and the brother of Cotabato City Councilor Giuadzuri Midtimbang II.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the murder, but Midtimbang was also a radio host for the program called “Bityala na Islam” of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta', an Islamic advisory council which has jurisdiction over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Midtimbang was shot multiple times and police investigators recovered shell casings fired from .45-caliber pistol. The motive of the killing is still unknown, but gun attackers are not uncommon in Cotabato where hired killers are actively operating.

Vice Mayor Johari Abu and the City Council on Tuesday condemned the killing.

“We, the members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cotabato City, extend our deepest condolences and condemn in the strongest terms the tragic killing of Mohammad Hessam Midtimbang on the evening of August 21, along Governor Gutierrez Avenue.”

“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of a promising life and stand united against any form of violence that threatens the peace and security of our city. Our thoughts are with the Midtimbang family during this painful time,” Abu said.

Abu also urged the authorities to swiftly investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice. “Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our constituents remains unwavering,” he said. (Al Jacinto)

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