ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/07February) – The auditor of Isabela City, Basilan was killed while an officemate escaped unscathed in a shooting incident late Thursday in this city, the police said.
Supt. Diomarie Albarico, commander of police station 11, identified the fatality as Ester Galaroza, 54, a resident of Barangay Guiwan, this city.
Albarico said Friday that Galaroza, who sustained two gunshot wounds, died while being treated in a hospital here.
Investigation showed Galaroza was driving home when shot by one of two motorcycle-riding men around 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Veterans Avenue and Governor Camins Avenue near the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex.
Her officemate Renella Abella, 52, who was with the victim was unharmed.
Albarico said the motive could be work related, adding he has ordered an inquiry into the victim’s recent activities as an auditor.
Meanwhile, Isabela City Mayor Cherrylin Santos-Akbar has condemned “the killing and murder” of Galaroza.
“We are saddened by the untimely death of our city auditor and our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family,” Akbar said.
“We fully support and will cooperate in any investigation by the authorities. Isabela LGU (local government unit) supports and appeals to authorities to make thorough investigation of the incident and hopes that justice prevails at the soonest possible time,” she added. (MindaNews)
