Seized Indon fishermen freed

KOTA KINABALU - Three Indonesian fishermen who were reported kidnapped off Sabah near the southern Philippine border province of Tawi-Tawi have been freed, reports said.

The trio was reportedly taken by gunmen on April 24 off Pulau Jambongan, their families claimed, adding the kidnappers demanded at least RM70,000 for their safe release, according to the Malaysian newspaper, The Star.

The newspaper said Eastern Sabah Security Command Commander, Deputy Commissioner Hamzah Ahmad, confirmed that the crewmen had returned safely. “They are back and we are investigating,” he said without elaborating further, citing the on-going investigation into their disappearance.

The identities of the fishermen, all crew members of a Sabah-registered trawler, were not made public.

The Star, citing Filipino intelligence sources, reported that the owner of the fishing boat had managed to secure the return of the vessel from the authorities in the southern Philippines.

Family members in Tawau City said they had been contacted by someone informing them that the trio was being held by gunmen and demanded RM70,000 for the release of the fishermen and the trawler.

The newspaper previously reported that the Indonesian consul had met with the families of the fishermen and in previous incidents, Sabah-registered fishing boats were seized by Philippine maritime authorities for encroaching with owners paying up to secure the release of their fishing boats and crew.

It was unclear whether the Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for the spate of piracy and ransom kidnappings in Sabah, was behind the attack. Philippine authorities have not released any report or statement about the kidnappings of the fishermen or whether the Abu Sayyaf was involved or not. (Mindanao Examiner)