A SUSPECTED ransom negotiator for the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who was allegedly involved in the recent killing of a police official and an informant, was arrested around 5 a.m. Friday, January 17, at the port of Zamboanga City.

Benhajar Salapuddin Alan, a resident of Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City, has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder qualified by treachery. No bail was recommended.

Police Brigadier General Marni Marcos, Jr., Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) director, said Alan is a follower of the slain ASG senior leader Albader Parad.

He was also involved in illegal drug and gun-for-hire activities in Zamboanga City and in the province of Sulu, Marcos said.

Alan was allegedly involved in the killing of a police officer, Lieutenant Sali Salim, and a certain Jipon, an informant, during an anti-drug operation on January 12 in Sitio Baunoh in the village of Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

Alan was turned over to the custody of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO). (SunStar Zamboanga)