CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: A Mindanao-based rights group is calling for an independent investigation into a joint police-military raid in Zamboanga City on April 23 that left three people dead, including a 12-year-old boy, citing alleged human rights violations.
Interfaith organization Moro-Christian Peoples Alliance (MCPA) condemned the pre-dawn operation in Sitio Alas-as, Barangay Sinunuc, calling it a “massacre,” not a legitimate encounter.
Those killed were Jerry Indan Alfad, a member of the barangay Lupon (village peace council); his nephew, Rayyan Hassan Alfad; and his son, Salam Aradais Alfad, 12. Two other relatives were injured.
Authorities said they were serving an arrest warrant against a suspected Dawlah Islamiya–Abu Sayyaf Group member and claimed they were met with armed resistance, prompting a shootout. They reported recovering firearms and explosives.
But the MCPA, citing witnesses and family members, disputed this, alleging that gunfire began without warning while the family was inside their home.
Barangay officials later found two victims on a bed, raising suspicion they were shot while asleep. The family denied owning any weapons and accused authorities of planting evidence.
MCPA Secretary-General Amirah Ali Lidasan said the incident shows the risks of militarized operations in Moro communities.
The group urged the suspension of involved personnel, the release of body camera footage, and a review of counterterrorism rules of engagement. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
