By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

CRIME SCENE. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) examine the vehicle and crime scene following the fatal shooting of Jaybee Robert Baguinda, 57, director of the Registry of Deeds in Zamboanga City, on Friday, Jan. 31. Baguinda died while undergoing treatment at the Zamboanga City Medical Center. (Photo courtesy of Remus Lim Ong)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A government official was shot and killed in broad daylight Friday in Zamboanga City, despite the nationwide election gun ban, police said.

Lt. Col. Paul Andrew Cortez, information officer of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified the victim as Jaybee Robert Baguinda, 57, director of the city’s Registry of Deeds (ROD).

The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. at the entrance gate of the ROD office on Rizal St in Barangay Zone 4. Baguinda was driving his vehicle and about to enter the compound when a lone gunman shot him.

Baguinda was rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) but was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m. while undergoing treatment, according to ZCMC information officer Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin.

The gunman fled on a waiting motorcycle toward Evangelista Street in Barangay Sta. Catalina. The ZCPO is reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence to identify the suspect and the motorcycle driver.

Col. Kimberly Molitas, ZCPO acting director, assured the public of the police’s commitment to solving the case.

“We want to reassure the public that ZCPO is fully committed to solving this case and bringing those responsible to justice. Our determination to uphold the safety and security of our community is unwavering,” Molitas said in a statement.

She urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

The Registry of Deeds is a government office responsible for maintaining land records, registering real estate transactions, and ensuring secure property rights. (PNA)