Malaysian kidnap victims not in custody of Abu Sayyaf, held by kidnap gang in Indanan city
The photo posted on ‘Victor Troy Poz’ Facebook account shows the four abducted Malaysians. (File Photo)
KUCHING: The omission of the names of the four hostages from Sibu in a CNN news report on the list of 13 hostages now in the hand of Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines has raised concern among their family members and the public.
However, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has confirmed that the four Malaysian kidnap victims are now in the custody of an armed kidnap group led by Majan Sahidjua.
According to a statement from the embassy in response to an enquiry from The Borneo Post yesterday, intelligence information revealed that the four Malaysian kidnap victims are currently in the city of Indanan, Sulu.
“Philippines’ law enforcement authorities will continue to conduct sustained, delicate operations for the recovery of the victims, without endangering their lives.
“Our hearts go out to their families and friends and join them in prayers for the immediate solution of the incident and for the safe return of the victims,” the statement said.
Media reports in the Phillippines said Majan Sahidjuan @ ‘Apo Mike’, is believed to be a sub-leader in the Abu Sayyaf militant group.
Wong Chee Ming, father of the abducted brothers Teck Kang and Kang Chii, confirmed yesterday after the news spread, his family members were flooded with calls asking about the situation.
He said all he could confirm was, the telephone calls he had received from his son while in captivity showed the international code number of the Philippines, but so far, his son Teck Kang had not mentioned in their conversation which part of that country they were in.
“The incident has caused us extreme hardship and worries. Ransom deadline given by the abductors is running out and we still do not know the whereabouts of the four and whether they are safe.”
Wong said they were still collecting donation.
He also confirmed that members of the public still came in yesterday to offer help, adding that they were still very short of the sum. He hoped the public would continue to help.
“I must thank the public. From this incident, I have seen the concern and care of the people. It has united us all. Our families are touched. Please continue to help.”
There are rumours that some of their family members had flown to Sabah to deal with the matter, but Wong said they were all in Sibu.
“None of us have left town. We have to stay together as we wait for the news.”
It is believed that the four were taken hostage on April 1 when they were returning with five other sailors to Tawau from the Philippines. The other two of the four are Wong Hung Sing, 34, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21.
Five others not taken hostage were crewmen from Myanmar and Indonesia.
According to the CNN report on April 26, which quoted the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a total of 13 foreign nationals are still in the hands of terror group Abu Sayyaf.