This includes an ASG commander based in Sulu, southern Philippines.

There are now 20 people with links to the ASG on the list being sought for cross-border crimes as well as kidnap-for-ransom incidents in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

Esscom chief Hamzah Ahmad said among those wanted is Madjid Said @ Ammah Patit, a commander who is the most senior leader of the Islamic State Daulah Islamiyah group, based in Sulu.

He said Madjid, a sub-leader in ASG, had been in command of the ASG Sulu and was poised to take over permanently from his predecessor, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was reported to have been killed after a clash with the Philippines’ army in 2020.

Another high-priority target is Mudzrimar @ Mundi Sawadjaan, who is the nephew of the late Hatib.

“Mudzrimar is a sub-leader in the ASG and specialises in making bombs,” Hamzah said in a statement today.

“He was also the mastermind behind the bombing incident at The Our Lady of Mt Carmel Cathedral in Jolo on Jan 27, 2020 as well as another incident in Jolo on Aug 24.”

The other three new additions are Ahadin Hussein, Ellam Sajirin @ Nasirin and Ismurah Jirah who are all wanted for kidnapping cases in the Tambisan waters off Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Hamzah said the 15 remaining suspects on the list were 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 Esscom would intensify its special operations on land as well as the state’s waters to track down these suspects.

The public is advised to contact the authorities at 089-863181 or WhatsApp 011-63311072 if they have any information to share.