Baguio execs hit Imam’s murder, order full probe

BAGUIO CITY – The local government is condemning the brutal slaying of Imam Bedejim Abdullah and calling the Baguio City Police Office, National Bureau of Investigation regional office and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a “full, vigorous and continuous” investigation to identify and bring the perpetrator/s to justice.

Resolution number 402, series of 2018, jointly and collectively approved by the city council and signed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan stated that Bedejim was brutally shot twice in the head and three times in the body resulting in his death by a still unidentified assailant along Kayang Street, here, in broad daylight on December 6, last year.  He was 55.

The measure revealed that prior to his death, Bedejim was the Cleric for Muslim Cadets at the Philippine Military Academy; preacher at Discover Islam, Baguio; vice-chairman of the Cordillera police multi-sectoral regional advisory council that denounces all forms of extremism; guardian and counsellor of Muslim members of the city jail.

He was also instrumental in the establishment of the first mosque and other mosques in the city and helps in coordinating peace events with other religious leaders; radio program host on Muslim affairs; a nature enthusiast and organizer of biking and running events.

“The barbaric killing of Imam Bedejim Abdullah is an affront to the city’s peace-loving constituents, civilian officials as well as uniformed personnel and officers whose duties are to maintain peace and order,” the resolution stated.