AUTHORITIES are probing the deaths of a family of three in an operation in Zamboanga City. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Police Regional Office-9 has organized Special Investigative Task Force Alfad to look into the deaths of three family members during a service of warrant operation by the police and military here on Thursday.
In a statement, PRO-9 said that an SITG conference has been convened and presided over by Police Brig. Gen. Edwin A. Quilates, PRO-9 director, together with Pablito M. Abad Jr., National Police Commission-9 director; Police Col. Narciso Paragas, PRO-9 deputy regional director for operations; and other key officers and partner agencies.
A formal request was made to Task Force Zamboanga to present personnel involved in the raid.
The SITG has tasked the Criminal investigation and Detection Group to collect the sworn statements of all personnel involved in the raid.
The Regional Forensic Unit-9 has conducted paraffin and ballistic examinations to provide facts based on forensic evidence.
The PRO-9 reiterated the raid is a legitimate law enforcement operation against a member of an armed group with three standing warrants of arrest for murder and frustrated murder.
It also said that information developed from April 16 to 19 prompted the immediate coordination with key units, including the National Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division, Seaborne Unit, and Zamboanga City Police Station 8.
“During the operation, an armed confrontation occurred, resulting in the death of three individuals and one wounded,” said the PRO-9.
The operation led to demands of investigation and justice from various sectors. The subject of the warrant of arrest was reportedly not in the area when the raid was conducted.