Mayor Beng Climaco has ordered an in-depth probe into the murder of a lady Pepsi-Cola official in Tetuan last February 18 as she strongly condemned the incident.

Loisabelle Agustin Lee, 48 years old of Estrada Street, Tetuan was slain by an unidentified person while she was driver her car on her way home around 6pm, Thursday night.

Describing the incident as an attack on women and a threat to democracy, Climaco said justice should be served to the family and to send the message that crimes of this nature are not tolerated and accepted in the society.

“It is so unfortunate that this happened at a time when we are barely a week before the start of the women’s month celebration”, the mayor said. “The city government joins her family, relatives and friends in mourning her loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family.”

The chief executive called on the Zamboanga City Police Office under Col. Rex Reyes and the Joint Task Force Zamboanga under Col. Rojas “to double if not triple efforts to maintain security and stability in the city by profiling gun for hire groups so we will be able to bring about the justice deserved.”

She emphasized that the twin threats on security and COVID-19 are ever-present and thus, authorities have to strengthen the security deployment plan to enhance visibility across the city to deter lawless elements from targeting innocent civilians and public and private installations.

Climaco added that her administration will never cease from supporting and assisting the security sector in all aspects, for the safety and security of the residents and Zamboanga City even as she appealed for public support and cooperation on the implementation of security measures.

Meanwhile, police authorities are looking at all angles on Lee’s murder and are in possession of CCTV footages that may provide significant leads. (Sheila Covarrubias)