On April 23, 2026, a horrific massacre took place in Sitio Alas-as, Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ)
"Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return."
Quran (2:156)

According to witnesses, a tragic and deeply disturbing incident happened on April 23, 2026, at around 1:00 AM in Sitio Alas-as, Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City. Three Muslim individuals were killed, while three other members of the same family were injured. The perpetrators were reportedly men in uniform, who are now considered the primary suspects. This information was confirmed by Mayor Khymer Olaso through his official Facebook page.

Image CTTO: CJ Dalipe-Page

The victims were identified as:

• Jerry Indan Alfad, 52 years old

• Salam Aradais Alfad, 12 years old, son of Jerry

• Rayyan Hassan Alfad, 22 years old, nephew of Jerry

Jerry Alfad was a respected member of the Barangay Lupon (Village Peace Council). He was known for his contributions to the community, including helping improve their Masjid. He also served as a “Tau Maas,” a trusted figure in the village whom people turned to for guidance and support during difficult times.

Initial reports suggest that the operation was intended to target a certain Saddam Siddik, a high-profile criminal. However, serious concerns have been raised about how the authorities could have identified the wrong individuals. Residents pointed out that there was no coordination with barangay officials at the time, which is a standard procedure in such operations.

Even more troubling are allegations that an M16 rifle was planted inside the victims’ home to make it appear that they resisted arrest. Witnesses and family members strongly dispute this claim, insisting that the victims were innocent and did not fight back.

In an official statement, authorities explained that the incident stemmed from a joint law enforcement operation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The operation involved serving warrants of arrest against Saddam Siddik, who is facing multiple murder charges under Criminal Case No. 8710, issued by Judge Grace C. Pilla of RTC Branch 2, 9th Judicial Region in Isabela, Basilan, as well as Criminal Case Nos. 9591–9593 issued by Judge Leo J. Princepe of RTC Branch 1 in the same region. All charges carried no bail recommendations. The operation allegedly led to an armed confrontation.

However, following the incident, legal actions were taken against several members of the operating team. According to Mayor Olaso, on April 29, 2026, at around 3:30 PM, personnel from the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) filed complaints before the City Prosecutor’s Office. The charges include Multiple Murder and Frustrated Multiple Murder against CPL. Vergil S. Jurada and PVT. Lorens Jhon G. Arayani, as well as Criminal Negligence charges against COL. Danilo G. Ambe and MAJOR Voltair Herrera, along with other individuals involved. These offenses fall under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

The case was formally received by the duty Assistant City Prosecutor and assigned Evaluation No. E-INV-260-00071 on April 29, 2026.