After Zamboanga family massacre, son seeks justice for mom, 3 siblings

On the morning of June 29, a mother of four and three of her children were found dead inside their home in a compound in Purok 5, Barangay Latipan, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur.

The victims were identified as Arlene Dumalte and her children: Nashel (15), Inin (13), and Arnel (11).

In Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," the Philippine National Police (PNP) said its investigation revealed that the victims had been stabbed multiple times.

According to Alfred, Arlene's only surviving son who no longer lived with the family, the primary person of interest is his mother's current partner, ‘Mark’.

Alfred alleged that ‘Mark’ was the reason his parents, Arlene and Nino, separated and why he himself eventually left their home.

Arlene and ‘Mark’ first became text mates in 2023 before eventually developing a romantic relationship. After witnessing their growing closeness, Nino decided to leave for Manila to work. Alfred also moved out because he did not get along with his mother's new partner.

The last time Alfred saw ‘Mark’ was on June 26. Two days later, he went to his mother's house to check on them but received no response. On June 29, he learned that his mother and siblings had been found dead.

Because of this, Alfred said he immediately suspected ‘Mark’.

"Siya lang naman ang nandoon sa bahay, eh," he said. "Wala naman kaming nakikitang ibang tao na pumunta doon."

[“He was the only person present at the residence. We did not observe anyone else entering the property."]

Investigators of the Josefina Municipal Police Station believe the killings happened on the night of June 27, but the victims' bodies were discovered only on the morning of June 29.

"'Yung nakita namin ‘yung bangkay, mabaho na. Iba na rin 'yung kulay," the police said.

["By the time we found the body, there was a strong odor, and the skin was already discolored."]

Alfred admitted he blames himself for not finding a way to enter the house when he checked on his family.

"Sinisisi ko ang aking sarili kung bakit wala ako roon. Sana hindi na lang ako umalis noon. Para ngayon, buhay pa sana sila," he said.

["I blame myself for not being there. I wish I hadn't left back then. If I stayed, they might still be alive today."]

"Gusto ko sana mabalik lahat na buhay pa sila pero wala na akong magagawa," he added.

Meanwhile, Nino mourned the loss of his children, saying they had promised him they would study hard and finish school.

"Sobrang sakit. 'Yung mga sinabi hindi na matupad," Nino said.

["It hurts so much. All the promises we made will never be fulfilled.”]

"Sa ngayon, hindi ko pa matanggap ang naranasan sa buhay ko, baka balang araw," he added.

["Right now, I still can't accept what happened to my life, maybe someday.”]

Police said ‘Mark’ is now in police custody and allegedly admitted to the killings during interrogation.

"Nahuli po natin siya sa Barangay Panaagan, Mahayag. Taga roon po talaga 'yung suspect natin. Naglalakad lang po siya," PCPT Maquinta said.

["We caught him in Barangay Panaagan, Mahayag. Our suspect is really from that place. He was just walking."]

Authorities said the suspect allegedly used a knife in the attack, which he later threw into the cliff.

Despite the tragedy, Alfred returned to his mother's house to collect their clothes, and his younger brother’s pigeon, keeping them as mementos.

Alfred said he will not stop until justice is served for his mother and siblings.

For those who wanted to help Alfred, you may deposit to:

BANK: GCASH

ACCOUNT NAME: RANDY S. DUMALTE

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 09163524673

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA News