Muslim lawyers group demands independent probe into Zamboanga family’s deaths during joint operation

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A legal advocacy group representing Muslim lawyers in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi is calling for an independent investigation into the deaths of three Alfad family members during a joint Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) operation in Barangay Sinunuc on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

 

The fatalities were identified as Jerry Indan Alfad, 52 – a long-serving Barangay Lupon member; his nephew Rayyan Hassan Alfad, 22; and his 12-year-old son Salam Aradais Alfad. Two other family members – 18-year-old daughter Mislie Aradais Alfad and another sister – were wounded in the incident.

 The operation took place between 1:00 and 1:30 a.m. in Sitio Alas-as, involving around 52 personnel from the Joint Task Force, Regional Intelligence Division 9, Seaborne Unit, Sinunuc Police Station, and Mindanao Area Police Intelligence Office. The mission aimed to serve an arrest warrant on Saddam Siddik, an alleged Dawlah Islamiya-Abu Sayyaf Group member from Basilan facing murder and frustrated murder charges. Intelligence reports had placed Siddik in the area on April 16 and 19.

 According to Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) spokesperson PMaj. Shellamie Chang, operatives knocked on the door and identified themselves as AFP and PNP personnel. She said two unidentified men opened fire, prompting security forces to return fire in self-defense. When authorities entered the house, they found the three deceased family members and recovered an M16 rifle and a hand grenade, which they stated belonged to the occupants. Siddik was not located at the scene.

 Family Denies Involvement, Alleges Planted Evidence

 The Alfad family has vehemently denied any links to illegal activities, claiming the weapons were planted by operatives. Mohammad Asiri Alfad, Jerry’s son, said he was playing a mobile game when gunfire broke out, describing chaos in the darkened home as armed men ordered everyone outside.

 “Sabi ko kay Rayyan labas na kami kahit alam ko may tama na siya noon,” Mohammad recounted, adding that his hands were bound with cable ties and medical assistance arrived only after an hour – by which time his father, cousin, and younger brother had died. He expressed disbelief at the police claim of finding weapons, noting his cousin did not know how to use a firearm.

 “Twenty years siya nag serve as Barangay Lupon, di siya magtatagal sa barangay kung ganun siya,” he said, disputing any connection between his father and the warrant subject.

 Barangay Chair Questions Intelligence Verification

 Sinunuc Barangay Chairperson Pilarica Ledesma expressed shock over the incident, describing Jerry Alfad as a person of good standing whom she knew personally. “I personally know the person, sabe yo no debe mata con ele,” she said, suggesting possible mistaken identity and questioning whether intelligence was properly verified before the operation was carried out.

 Ledesma noted that when she arrived at the scene, Jerry and his 12-year-old son were still on their bed, with Jerry dressed only in his underwear.

 Lawyers Group Raises Procedural Concerns

 In a statement condemning the killings, the Muslim Lawyers of ZamBaSulTa raised serious procedural concerns, arguing that an arrest warrant applies only to the named individual and does not authorize the killing of unnamed persons. The group emphasized that a 12-year-old child cannot legally be considered an armed associate of a fugitive.

 While acknowledging the police claim of self-defense, the lawyers noted that operating forces bear the burden of proving unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation – and must establish these points in a proper forum with full evidence. They also demanded that body-worn camera footage, as required under Supreme Court rules, be preserved and deposited sealed with the issuing court in Basilan.

 The group called for parallel independent investigations by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Office 9, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office 9, and the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service.

 PNP Orders Internal Investigation

 PRO-9 Director PBGen. Edwin Quilates has ordered an internal investigation to determine any operational lapses. PMaj. Chang confirmed the probe will review footage from body-worn cameras used during the operation.

 The victims were laid to rest Thursday afternoon in accordance with Islamic rites. The Alfad family continues to demand full transparency and accountability in the case.

 Mohammad Alfad said he only learned about the arrest warrant after being taken to the police station. “Tapos hindi pala correct. Ano yun, guessing guessing lang sila,” he said. –  Taher G. Solaiman