An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) wanted for killing a man in Zamboanga City was arrested in Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspect identified as alias “Atong” was arrested during an entrapment operation on October 19, 2025, by virtue of a warrant for murder issued by a court in Zamboanga City on April 11, 2023.

CIDG said Atong is an alleged ASG member since 2010, operating in Zamboanga and Basilan areas.

Authorities added that Atong and another man were on board a motorcycle when they allegedly shot a man to death in Zamboanga City on March 1, 2016.

After the arrest warrant was issued, Atong reportedly left Zamboanga and went into hiding in Basilan.

The operating units seized a caliber 5.56 M16 rifle and ammunition during the operation.

“With his arrest, we helped the victim and his family attained the justice they deserved; and with the seizure of the light weapon, we removed from the circulation the instrument of crime, thereby, we significantly prevented crime,” CIDG Director, Major General Robert Morico II, said.