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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Saudi attaché, renowned author in stable condition after assassination attempt
By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 2 (PIA) РRenowned international Islamic scholar and author Dr. Aid Al-Quarni and Saudi Arabian religious attach̩ Sheik Turki Assaegh are now in stable condition in a local private hospital here after an assassination attempt last night by local gunmen, reports revealed.

Dr. Al-Quarni had just delivered a message at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in a symposium when a gunman shot him and his companion in a vehicle.

The suspected gunman was shot dead by police immediately afterwards, while two others who were seen fleeing the scene were arrested by the authorities.

The suspects are said to be pedicab drivers from barangays Sta. Barbara and Taguiti.

Dr. Al-Quarni was shot three times in different parts of his body while Sheik Assaegh was shot two times.

Local officials here are concerned over the implications of this incident. An inter-agency meeting was called this morning by the local government.

Meanwhile, city councilors Jawo Jimenez and Charlie Mariano pointed out lapses in the security procedures in the university.

“There are lapses,” said Jimenez.

“This is not new to WMSU,” Mariano pointed out. “There have been other similar incidents in the past and police should have already put in place security measures in the area.”

In a report by ABS-CBN, Dr. Al-Quarni is said to be in an Islamic State hit list. He is a supporter of the Saudi Arabian government, and currently has over 12 million followers on Twitter.

The authorities are now in the process of interrogating the arrested suspects to establish the motive behind the incident.