Ordeal at hands of Abu Sayyaf

From the New Straits Times (Mar 22): Ordeal at hands of Abu Sayyaf

LAHAD DATU: It was 17 months of misery and depression at the hands of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), according to Pang Choon Pong.

But, the time the 49-year-old felt worst was when the Philippine army attacked the Abu Sayyaf base where he and others were being held.

"The Abu Sayyaf took us to the swamps and places with thick undergrowth to avoid detection by the army. We went several days without food and drink," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.

The hostages terror increased as they had to survive constant bombardment by the Philippine Air Force, who were attempting to wipe out the ASG bases on the island.

"I was constantly intimidated by my captors who held a parang to my neck and threatened to slaughter me if my family did not pay the ransom demand. My captors also regularly showed me video clips of Philippine soldiers who had been captured and slaughtered by ASG members," Pang recounted.

All that ended several days ago when he was released by the group.

Weeks of negotiations between the Putera 1Malaysia Club, the state government and the ASG via intermediaries paid off when Malaysian authorities secured Pang's release.

Pang was released by the ASG somewhere near Jolo Island in the Philippines and endured a 10-hour boat ride before arriving in Sandakan where he was met by Putera 1Malaysia Club members.

Pang was later flown to Kuala Lumpur where he was admitted to a hospital and had his statement recorded by authorities. Pang, who hails from Kuching, resides in Semporna with his wife and children. Pang, who operates a live fish farm in Semporna, was reunited with his family yesterday at the Sabah chief minister's official residence.

In October 2011, Pang and a worker left Semporna for the Lok Kang Ki Kampung in Sitangkai, the Philippines, to get fresh fish supply. They arrived the next day and spent the night at the home of his worker's friend. During the night, Pang was rudely awakened and assaulted by three armed men. The men claimed to be members of the ASG and took Pang to Kampung Puyu in Jolo Island where he was held captive with three other hostages.

Besides Pang, another Malaysian hostage who was also held in captivity with him was Nazarudin Saidin, who was freed in May last year. There was also an Indian national and a year-old infant who was believed to be the child of a Philippine soldier. The three men were constantly beaten by their captors.

"The breakthrough came when one of my captors took pity on me as I was between bouts of depression.

"My captors decided to let me go and I was able to seek the assistance of fishermen on Jolo Island. Luckily, the village head knew of the Putera IMalaysia Club and put me in touch with them.

"One of the fishermen took me back to Malaysia in his boat. The journey took about 10 hours."

It is understood that there are at least two Malaysians still in the hands of the ASG.

http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/ordeal-at-hands-of-abu-sayyaf-1.239653