KOTA KINABALU: Five new wanted suspects have been included by Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in its updated list of wanted southern Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen and Daulah Islamiyah leaders.

       Ahadin Hussein, Ellam Sajirin @ Nasirin, Ismurah Jirah, Madjid Said @ Ammah Pattit and Mudzrimar @ Mundi Sawadjaan are the five latest additions to Esscom's list.

       Esscom commander Deputy Commissioner Hamzah Ahmad said three of the five – Ahadin, Ellam and Ismurah – were suspected of involvement in a kidnapping case in Tambisan waters two years ago.

       DCP Hamzah said Madjid Said was the most senior head of the Sulu-based Daulah Islamiyah and also served as the commander of the ASG in Sulu and a sub-leader intended as a replacement for its slain leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

       "Mudzrimar is a nephew of Hatib and sub-leader in Abu Sayyaf and has expertise in making bombs.

       "In fact, this individual planned the explosion at the Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo on Jan 27, 2020, and another incident there on Aug 24 that year," he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 27).

       Meanwhile, others still on the wanted list are: Salip Mura; Al Munjir Yadah; Ben Tatoh Quirino; Basaron Arok; Mujimar Sawadjaan; Rasad; Marajan @ Manajan Asiri; Jul Aksan Abdurajan @ Halimaw; Jul @ Jun Hasan; Barak Undog @ Alvin; Hamsan Pakkan @ Black Cobra; Sabri Madrasul @ Salip Jul; Hadji Wahad @ Talip; Tampi @ Bunju; Haibin Mubin @ Apo Kuhambo; and Sangbas Parisko.

       He said they were all foreigners with ties to ASG and were wanted to help in investigations of cross-border crime and kidnap-for-ransom cases in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

       DCP Hamzah said five individuals previously on the wanted list – Apo Mike @ Majan Sahidjuan, Raden Abuh, Long Sahirin, Japs Sawadjaan @ Musafar Sawadjaan and Halipa – were shot dead in clashes with Philippine security forces in the south of the country last year.

       DCP Hamzah said Esscom will intensify operations to track these criminal elements and would continue to conduct integrated sea and land operations to combat the threat they posed.

       He said members of the public with any information on the wanted individuals may contact the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or channel information to it through WhatsApp at 011-63311072.