Six suspects already have arrest warrants against them, said the Philippines Embassy in a statement.

The Embassy said the six suspects were: Apo Mike @ Majan Sahidjuan, Hatib Hayan @ Sawadjaan, Alden Bagde @ Sayning, Muamar Askali @ Abu Rami, Idang Susukan, and Alhabsy Misaya.

The other 16 individuals being pursued by Philippine authorities are Salvador @ Badong Muktadil, Salip Sosong @ Mohamad Apsa Abdulla, Halipa, Ibrahim, Sabri Madrasul @ Salip Jul, Las Pangit, Marajan Asiri, Raden Abuh, Bocoi, Sangbas, Berong Sairol @ Boy Master, Bensaudi Sairol @ Boy Pangit, Boy Intel, Atai Susukan, Durog Hussein and Saidul Idul.

Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Command had released the names of the 23 suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping incidents along eastern Sabah.

“The Philippine authorities welcome any information that Malaysia may have on these wanted individuals,” the Embassy added in the statement.

It referred to the visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Malaysia on Nov 9 and 10.

Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak agreed, during the visit, to “deepen collaboration in stemming kidnapping incidents in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas”.

Meanwhile, Khadafy, named by Malaysian authorities, and arrested in November 2015, is being held at the Zamboanga Del Norte Provincial Jail.

The authorities in the Philippines earlier neutralised the notorious Muktadil Brothers Gang with the deaths of Mindas Muktadil in May 2015, and Nikson and Brown Muktadil in September 2016.