ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Police Regional Office-9 is investigating a bloody encounter during the service of a warrant of arrest here against an Abu Sayyaf member on Thursday, April 23, where three persons were killed and an official of the Sangguniang Kabataan was wounded.
“Police Regional Office-9 ensures the public that we are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation regarding this incident, with strict adherence to the rule of law,” said a statement released by PRO-9 on social media.
The investigation was prompted by speculations and statements of possible violations committed by the arresting team and their reported failure in implementing legal procedures in effecting the arrest.
The controversial police operation, described by some as a massacre, followed claims that there was no resistance nor provocation from the occupants of the house who were reportedly asleep at the time of the incident.
Barangay Sinunuc Captain Pilarica Ledesma said that unlike in the past, the operation on Thursday was not coordinated with the barangay.
"There was no coordination from them and there were no signs of resistance from inside the house," she stated.
Authorities failed to arrest the target of the operation, Saddam Siddick.
Relatives of the victims and residents asserted that the operation was a failure and that innocent civilians may have been mistakenly targeted.
The PRO-9 reiterated that a legitimate law enforcement operation was conducted against the target who was reportedly “monitored to be in the area.”
“Upon arrival at the said area, the operating units properly identified themselves as members of PNP and AFP to peacefully serve multiple warrants of arrest against the subject. However, upon sensing the presence of the team, unidentified persons suddenly opened fire towards the operating troops thereby posing imminent threat to their lives,” PRO-9 said.
“Operating troops employed necessary and reasonable force in self-defense of their fellow officers, which resulted in a brief firefight. Operatives immediately called up the ambulance for immediate medical assistance and subsequently, transported the wounded persons to the nearest hospital. Initial recovered items at the crime scene were one M16 rifle and one hand grenade,” PRO-9 added.
"The operation was conducted in accordance with police operational procedures and as part of said procedure, the operating team were equipped with body worn cameras."