Zamboanga City:Authorities have initiated a manhunt operation to apprehend the suspects involved in the drive-by shooting of a Basilan court judge in Zamboanga City. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, as confirmed by the local police.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) identified the victim as Judge Joseph Wee Sit of the Isabela City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2. He was shot multiple times by motorcycle-riding assailants at approximately 525 a.m. along Tumaga-Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga.

The police reported that Judge Wee Sit was driving alone to the local port to board a passenger vessel to Isabela City, Basilan, when the attack occurred. Authorities observed five bullet holes on the driver's side of his vehicle. Despite being rushed to the hospital for treatment, Wee Sit was declared dead at around 630 a.m. while under medical care.

The local police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to gather more evidence about the incident. In response to the killing, the ZCPO has established a Special Investigation and Task Group (SITG) to manage the investigation. The community of legal professionals in Zamboanga City and the nearby Basilan province have expressed their sorrow over the judge's death.