An individual linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group and wanted for multiple criminal offenses voluntarily turned himself in to law enforcement on Tuesday, December 23, at Camp Colonel Romeo Abendan, the headquarters of the Police Regional Office–Zamboanga Peninsula, located in Barangay Mercedes, Zamboanga City. Source: Police Regional Office 9

At approximately 4:00 PM on December 23, 2025, a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies resulted in the voluntary surrender of a 33-year-old male from Patikul, Sulu, at Camp Col. Romeo A. Abendan. The surrender was facilitated by personnel from the Regional Intelligence Division (PRO 9), in close coordination with the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Sulu Provincial Field Unit, and other specialized units.

During the operation, authorities successfully served a Warrant of Arrest for the subject, who was wanted on multiple serious charges, including kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The arrest warrant, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in the Ninth Judicial Region on August 28, 2020, was linked to his involvement in a high-profile kidnapping case in the region.

One of the Top Suspects in Sulu Province Surrendered

The individual, who has been listed as a significant figure in the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) since 2018, also faces additional scrutiny for his role in terrorism financing, having been included in the Philippine government’s Terrorism Financing Watchlist as of the first semester of 2020. Further intelligence investigations revealed that the suspect was deeply involved in the illegal drug trade, earning a spot on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) watchlist.

"[H]e ranked as the 8th most wanted drug personality in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and 6th on the list of top drug figures in Sulu for the current year."

In fact, he ranked as the 8th most wanted drug personality in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and 6th on the list of top drug figures in Sulu for the current year. The coordinated effort to apprehend him highlights the continuing commitment of security forces to address both terrorism and the illegal drug problem in the region.

Abu Sayyaf and Sulu: A Troubled Past

The Abu Sayyaf Group emerged in the early 1990s as a violent extremist faction operating mainly in Basilan and Sulu. Over the years, it became notorious for kidnappings for ransom, bombings, and attacks on civilians and security forces. Sulu, as a province with a history of armed conflict and underdevelopment, has long been a stronghold of various armed groups due to its rugged terrain and limited economic opportunities.

Peace Deals and Surrenders Signal Progress

In recent years, sustained military operations, localized peace engagements, and the implementation of normalization programs under the Bangsamoro peace process have significantly reduced ASG’s strength. Authorities say the steady surrender of fighters reflects dwindling support for the group and growing trust in government-led reintegration initiatives. In a statement Police Brigadier General Edwin A. Quilates, Regional Director, PRO 9, said "This successful surrender underscores the effectiveness of sustained intelligence operations and strong inter-agency coordination."

"This successful surrender underscores the effectiveness of sustained intelligence operations and strong inter-agency coordination."

Officials emphasized that surrenderers may benefit from deradicalization, livelihood assistance, and legal processes aimed at encouraging former combatants to rejoin mainstream society. Law enforcement agencies reiterated their call for remaining ASG members to lay down their arms, stressing that peace and development in Mindanao are now more attainable than ever.

REFERENCES

Police Regional Office 9. (2025, December 26). Pro 9 Maintains Christmas Security; ASG-Linked Terrorism Suspect Surrenders. Facebook post. https://www.facebook.com/

SunStar. (2025, December 28). ASG follower surrenders in Zamboanga City. SunStar. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/