GOVERNMENT security forces collared an Abu Sayyaf member who is wanted for the killing of a military intelligence officer in Basilan province several years ago, police reports said on Monday.

Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, identified the arrested rebel member as Najim Laisong alias Uyong, 20, of Sumisip, Basilan. The Detection group said that Laisong, who is facing four counts of murder, was nabbed on Thursday by joint CIDG group and military intelligence operatives at his safehouse in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.

Senior Supt. Edgar Danao, CIDG chief in Western Mindanao, said that Laisong was involved in the killing of M/Sgt. Elizer Agoo on June 22 at Sitio Bunkhouse, Barangay Limbo Candis in Sumisip, Basilan.

Danao said that Agoo, who was detailed with the Ninth Intelligence Security Unit, was the alleged handler of Laisong a Sayyaf member under the command of rebel commander Abugao Bayali in Sumisip, Basilan.

The Detection officer added that Laisong was also included in the list of wanted persons at national level and was also reported involved in the ambush and killing of inspector Reymen Jannatul and three others in Basilan on June 2009.