CEBU, Philippines – Presiding Judge Joseph Wee Sit of the Branch 2, Regional Trial Court, in Isabela City, Basilan, was shot dead in Zamboanga City, on Thursday morning, November 12, police confirmed. 

According to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), Wee Sit was driving his vehicle when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle began firing at him along Tumaga-Putik Road in Barangay Tumaga.

“Upon receiving the report, personnel of Zamboanga City Police Station 7 (ZCPS7) immediately responded to the scene. The victim was promptly transported to the hospital by the responding ambulance,” Zamboanga police said.

The ZCPO has mobilized a special investigation task group to consolidate leads on the perpetrators and identify possible motives behind the ambush. There is a hot pursuit operation to locate and apprehend the assailants.

Who is Judge Wee Sit?

The judge was born on November 21, 1987, in Zamboanga City. He obtained his law degree at the Western Mindanao State University and was admitted to the Bar in 2015. 

Prior to becoming a judge, Wee Sit served as a prosecutor and later as a public attorney.

In September, the judge handled a high-profile case involving Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing Nanoh and 13 individuals, who were accused of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder over an election-related ambush that killed three people during the May 12, 2025 elections.

Wee Sit denied the accused’s motions for reinvestigation and to recall the arrest warrants.

Supreme Court, Hataman condemn attack

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman condemned the attack on Wee Sit on Thursday morning, calling it “a painful act against Basilan and its journey to making communities more peaceful.”

“Kapag isang judge ang pinapaslang dahil sa kanyang trabaho, hindi lang isang buhay ang kinikitil. Hinahamon din nito ang mismong sistema ng hustisya at ang kakayahan ng ating mga korte na gawin ang kanilang tungkulin nang walang takot,” Hataman said.

(When a judge is murdered for their work, it is not just a life that is taken. It challenges our very justice system and the ability of our courts to do their duties without fear)

The governor stressed the urgency of finding and arresting the perpetrators, especially those who plotted the judge’s killing.

The Supreme Court (SC) mourned the death of Wee Sit and extended their condolences to his family and colleagues.

“The killing of Judge Wee Sit is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve in our courts. No judge should have to fear for their life simply for doing their duty,” the SC’s statement read.

The SC, through the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, said it is working closely with law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident. 

“Further details cannot be disclosed at this time to avoid compromising the investigation and the safety of those involved,” the High Court said. – Rappler.com