Zamboanga: Police have launched a manhunt against the killer of a barangay official in this southern port city early Saturday, officials said. Zamboanga City Police Director, Col. Fidel Fortaleza Jr., reported that Manicahan Barangay Councilor Julambri Utubara, 28, was shot along Martha Drive, Barangay Sta. Catalina at about 1:20 a.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, the victim was transported to Zamboanga City Medical Center by a responding ambulance for medical treatment, but was later pronounced dead by the attending physician. Initial investigation revealed that the victim was driving his motorcycle when he was shot by the gunman, who was also on a motorcycle.

Before escaping the crime scene, the suspect took the victim's mobile phone. Police investigators recovered two empty shells of a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene. Fortaleza mentioned that they were reviewing the footage captured by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the vicinity of the crime scene.

Manicahan Barangay Chairperson Erolyn Barredo stated that Utubara, who also worked as an event planner, often stayed overnight at his friend's home in Barangay Sta. Catalina after late-night activities. Barredo explained that Utubara would usually return home the following day since their barangay is far from the city proper. Utubara, who previously served as Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson of Manicahan, reportedly had no known enemies. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident.