Several military officials and soldiers are facing charges in connection with the service of arrest warrants in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City that resulted in the death of three people on April 23, 2026.

According to the city government, charges were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) said these charges included multiple murder and frustrated multiple murder, criminal negligence under the Revised Penal Code, and robbery.

Up to 12 military officials and soldiers were charged, including a colonel, a major, corporals, privates, and privates first class.

Police claimed that during the joint AFP and PNP operation, an exchange of fire broke out when they were about to serve multiple arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder on a certain member of an armed group who they said was monitored in the area.

They said the operating team introduced themselves as police and military personnel but unidentified individuals reportedly opened fire, prompting them to retaliate in self-defense.

Authorities said that during the armed encounter, three people died.

The city government identified the fatalities as Lupong Tagapamayapa Jerry Alfad, 52, his 12-year-old son, and another 22-year-old man. Two others were also injured.

After the incident, the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) has formed a special investigation task group to conduct a thorough and impartial probe.

“Justice must be served and must prevail at all cost,” Mayor Khymer Olaso said.