Datuk Omar Mammah
KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) will not entertain any ransom demands made by the kidnap for ransom (KFR) group who are currently holding three Indonesian fishermen hostage in Southern Philippines.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said ransom demand for the release of the three fishermen have been made by the kidnappers to one of the victim’s sister in Sandakan late last month.
“Two calls have been made by the kidnappers to one of the victim’s sister, with the last call made on September 30.
“A ransom demand was also mention for the release of all three hostages,” said Omar.
Omar however declined to comment on the amount of the ransom stating that police will not entertain the kidnappers’ demand.
“We are currently working closely with our Philippines counterpart for the safe return of the three hostages,” he said.
Three Indonesian fishermen, identified as Samiun Maniu, 27, Maharudin Lunani, 48, and Muhammas Farhan, 27, were abducted by seven masked men armed with machine guns in two pump boats off Tambisan Island in Lahad Datu at around 11.55am on Sept 23.
Two fishing vessels had on Sept 21, left for Tambisan from Sandakan jetty, arriving at their intended destination a day later.
Around 11.55am on Sept 23, seven mask men armed with AK 47, M16 and pistol in two pump boats approached both fishing vessels before boarding one of the vessel.
After robbing four fishermen from the first fishing boat of their belonging, the gunmen then climbed on board the second fishing vessel with the three Indonesian fishermen.
Several minutes later, the fishermen were taken hostage by their kidnappers and headed towards Tawi-Tawi island in Southern Philippines.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 4 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.