ZAMBOANGA CITY — A 27-year-old man was allegedly killed and dismembered by his younger brother, with portions of his body discovered inside a suitcase and an ice box in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City, early Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The victim was identified as Raffy Alam, 27, while the alleged suspect was identified as his younger brother, Rashdy Alam, 18. Both were reportedly residents of the area.
According to the initial information available, residents were alerted after the owner of a store discovered a suitcase believed to contain human body parts. The discovery led authorities to respond to the area and examine the contents.
The victim’s head, arms and legs were reportedly found inside an ice box, while other portions of the remains were allegedly placed inside a suitcase. The gruesome discovery immediately prompted police authorities to secure the area and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Initial reports indicate that the victim and the alleged suspect were brothers and residents of the same community. However, authorities have yet to publicly establish the motive for the killing or provide a complete account of what happened before the victim was allegedly dismembered.
A manhunt was reportedly launched for the younger brother following the discovery, although authorities have yet to provide further details on his whereabouts or confirm whether he has been arrested.
Police investigators are expected to conduct a forensic examination of the remains and gather statements from witnesses and other persons who may have knowledge of the incident. Investigators will also determine the exact circumstances of the death, the location where the killing allegedly occurred, and what happened after the victim was killed.
Authorities have not yet publicly established the suspect’s motive, and the allegations remain subject to investigation. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The incident has shocked residents of Barangay Sinunuc because of the manner in which the victim’s remains were allegedly concealed. Authorities are continuing their deeper investigation as they work to establish the full sequence of events and determine possible criminal charges.
The Mindanao Sentinel is withholding unverified details that could compromise the investigation and will report further developments as authorities release confirmed information.