Isabela City RTC Judge Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Riding Gunmen Along Tumaga-Putik Road
A presiding judge of a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Basilan was killed after being ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Zamboanga City early Thursday morning, November 12.
The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) identified the victim as Judge Joseph Wee Sit, presiding judge of RTC Branch 2 in Isabela City, Basilan, and a resident of Barangay Tumaga, The Manila Times reported.
Based on initial police reports, the judge was driving alone along Tumaga-Putik Road at around 5:25 a.m. when a gunman riding a motorcycle fired several shots at his vehicle. He was reportedly on his way to the city port to catch the first ferry trip to Isabela City, where he holds court.
Personnel of Zamboanga City Police Station 7 responded after a concerned citizen reported the incident and found the judge wounded inside his vehicle, GMA News reported. He was rushed to a hospital by ambulance but was declared dead at around 6:30 a.m. due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) found five bullet holes on the driver’s side of the vehicle and recovered eight empty cartridge cases from a .45-caliber pistol at the scene.
Wee Sit was handling the multiple murder case against Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh and her co-accused over a May 2025 sea ambush that left three people dead. Police have yet to establish a motive for the killing.
The ZCPO condemned the attack and formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to lead the probe. “The ZCPO assures the public that this incident is being treated with utmost urgency and that all necessary lawful measures will be undertaken to bring those responsible to justice,” the police said.
Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman and the provincial government also condemned the killing, calling it a big loss to the judiciary, the community and the rule of law, Manila Bulletin reported.
The Supreme Court likewise condemned the killing. According to DZRH News, Chief Justice Rodil Zalameda directed the Office of the Court Administrator to reach out to the judge’s family and extend financial and other assistance, while the SC Office of the Judiciary Marshals is working with authorities on the investigation.
Police are now reviewing CCTV footage along Tumaga-Putik Road and nearby routes to identify the suspects and trace their escape, and they urged the public to share any information with the nearest police station.
