ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A soldier on vacation was gunned down by unidentified motorcycle-riding men near a port in Isabela, Basilan yesterday.
Cpl. Jhunrey Lauriaga, a native of Barangay Binuangan and member of the Philippine Marine Corps based in Jolo, Sulu, was driving his motorcycle with his girlfriend when he was shot at around 10 a.m. His girlfriend was unhurt.
The couple was supposed to board a motorized boat to go to a beach on Malamawi island.
Police are investigating if intensified military operations against militants in the province was the motive for the gun attack.