Jolo: A mayoralty candidate in Jolo, Sulu accused of murder has surrendered to the authorities, the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said Friday. In a statement, CIDG Chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico confirmed that an alias "Al," who ran but lost in the 2025 mayoral race in Jolo, voluntarily surrendered on September 8 at the CIDG Sulu Provincial Field Unit at Camp Supt. Julasirim A. Kasim in Asturias, Jolo. He is facing three counts of murder.

According to Philippines News Agency, Commission on Elections records identified the losing candidate as Alsid Gonzales. Al, armed with a gun and in conspiracy with several unidentified individuals, is accused of fatally shooting three people riding a single motorcycle on their way home to Talon-Talon in Zamboanga City on February 7, 2025.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant in March 2025, the accused fled Zamboanga City and returned to his hometown in Jolo, Sulu to avoid arrest. Morico praised the joint operating teams for their relentless manhunt, which ultimately led to the accused's voluntary surrender. "With the accounting of this accused, we significantly help the victims and their families attain the success they deserved," Morico stated.