Notorious Abu Sayyaf member arrested in Zamboanga City

LAWMEN have arrested in a law enforcement operation a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in violent incidents in Zamboanga City and in nearby Basilan province, the police said Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, identified the arrested ASG member as Isnaji Hasim, 34, a follower of ASG’s Urban Terrorist Group leader Ibni Acosta, whose group was involved in several violent incidents.

Fortaleza said Hasim was arrested by joint police and military operatives on Saturday, May 31, in Purok 4, Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City, in a search warrant operation for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act.

“The arrested person is allegedly involved in gun running activities and distribution of illegal drugs,” Fortaleza said.

Seized from Hasim were a hand grenade, caliber .40 millimeter grenade, ammunition for caliber 5.56 millimeter rifle, and gun accessories.

Fortaleza said the arrested suspect was involved in several violent incidents, including the killing of a couple in Barangay Buenvista, Zamboanga City in 2023; the massacre of eight fishermen at Siromon Island, Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City on January 2019; the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals Jian Luo and Jampong Linyuan on June 4, 2024 in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay; abduction and beheading of Doroteo Gonzales in 2009 in Zamboanga City; and roadside bombing in Sitio Marangan, Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City.

Hasim also participated in series of firefight against government forces in Basilan province, he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)