ZAMBOANGA CITY ? Authorities arrested an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in violent incidents in the city and in nearby Basilan province, police said Sunday.

Col. Fidel Fortaleza Jr., Zamboanga City Police Office director, identified the arrested ASG member as Isnaji Hasim, 34, a follower of group's Urban Terrorist Group leader Ibni Acosta.

Fortaleza said Hasim was arrested by joint police and military operatives at Purok 4, Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City in a search warrant operation for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act.

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

Fortaleza said seized from Hasim were a hand grenade, caliber .40-millimeter grenade, ammunition for caliber 5.56 millimeter rifle, and gun accessories.

He said the arrested suspect was involved in the killing of a couple in Barangay Buenvista, Zamboanga City in 2023; massacre of eight fishermen at Siromon island, Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City on January 2019; kidnapping of two Chinese on June 4, 2024 in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay; an abduction and beheading ofa man in 2009 in Zamboanga City; and roadside bombing at Sitio Marangan, Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City. DMS