Intelligence operatives in Basilan have captured the right-hand man of a top Abu Sayyaf leader, the military reported.

The capture of Sonny Teng, at a pier in Lamitan, followed a tip off from kidnapped victims, said army brigade chief, Col Alexander Aleo.

Teng was known to be a close aide to Abu Sayyaf leader, Abu Sabaya.

Aleo said Teng had been nabbed while he was conducting "surveillance operations" on possible U.S. and Filipino military targets.

He was later identified as one of those who kidnapped 30 people from the municipality of Bolobo. Only 20 of them escaped beheading, said the ones who identified Teng.

Another member arrested – Jaid Laulal – was found to belong to the Abu Sayyaf faction under the command of Suhod Jiantanan, the military said. Sabaya, himself, is reportedly ill even as a combined U.S.-Philippine pursuit operation is taking place in Basilan.

Teng carried a $19,600 bounty for his capture. He is now being interrogated.