Zamboanga City — December 23, 2025 — An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member listed under the Police Security Register (PSR) and previously operating under the late terror leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan has voluntarily surrendered to authorities following a coordinated counterterrorism operation in Barangay Mercedes, Zamboanga City.
Personnel of the 5th Special Action Battalion (5SAB), in partnership with the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 9 (RID PRO 9), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Sulu Provincial Field Unit (CIDG-Sulu PFU), and other law enforcement units, facilitated the surrender of the individual identified as alias “Mak.” He was formerly a subordinate of an ASG sub-leader active in the first quarter of 2018 across the PRO 9 area.
Alias “Mak” is wanted for numerous criminal charges, including:
• Multiple Murder with Multiple Frustrated Murder under Criminal Case No. 2533-3
• Two counts of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention under CC Nos. 2020-08-03 (2032) and 2020-08-04 (2033)
• Violation of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022) under CC No. 2616-3
These warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 3 of the 9th Judicial Region in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, dated August 28, 2020.
During the surrender, the suspect also yielded a caliber 7.62 M1 Garand rifle, which was seized for proper documentation and disposition. RID PRO 9 has since taken custody of the suspect.
Authorities emphasized that this successful law enforcement undertaking highlights the strengthened collaboration of PNP units in combating terrorism and enforcing the rule of law. It further reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving peace and ensuring public safety in Zamboanga City and the wider Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Police officials vowed that operations against remaining ASG members and other threat groups will intensify as part of their continuing efforts to eliminate terrorism and criminal activities across Mindanao.