In line with the directive of Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) intensified its nationwide manhunt operations and crackdown on loose firearms.
Between 9:20 PM of October 19 and 7:30 AM of October 20, 2025, the CIDG Basilan Provincial Field Unit, together with the Special Action Force, Intelligence Group, Explosive Ordnance Disposal-K9 (EOD-K9), Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao (TOMWASMIN), Philippine Air Force, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 9, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) PRO 9, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) PRO 9, Hadji Mohammad Ajul Municipal Police Station, and other support units, conducted a joint manhunt operation in Barangay Tuburan Proper, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The operation was carried out by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder, issued by a Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court on April 11, 2023.
Reports reaching Police Major General Robert A. A. Morico II confirmed the arrest of the suspect identified only as “Atong”, a resident of Barangay Tuburan Proper, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan. The suspect, reportedly a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) since 2010, has been operating in the Zamboanga and Basilan areas.
Background investigation revealed that on March 1, 2016, in Zamboanga City, “Atong” and an accomplice, riding a motorcycle, shot a male victim in the head with a short firearm, instantly killing him. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, the suspect fled to Basilan to evade arrest.
During the operation, authorities recovered from the suspect’s possession one M16 rifle, two magazines, 33 rounds of live ammunition, and one bandolier.
“I commend PLTCOL Arjun B. Luig, Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 9, PLT Edwin A. Castor, Provincial Officer of CIDG Basilan PFU, and all joint operating units for the successful capture of this armed and dangerous fugitive. With his arrest, we have helped the victim’s family attain justice, and by seizing the weapon, we have removed an instrument of crime from circulation, thereby preventing future violence,” said PMGEN Morico II.
He added, “Rest assured that the CIDG remains resolute in hunting down criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives across the country. The CIDG is relentless—it means business.”