PHL, Malaysian officials working for release of abducted Chinese believed held in Jolo

From GMA News (Jun 1): PHL, Malaysian officials working for release of abducted Chinese believed held in Jolo

After working for the release of a Filipina resort worker and a Chinese tourist, Philippine and Malaysian officials have shifted their attention to securing the release of a Chinese fish farm manager abducted in Sabah last May.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general Datuk Mohamad Mantek said Philippine and Malaysian security officials are in negotiations for the release of fish farm manager Yang Zai Lin, Malaysia's The Star Online reported late Sunday.

“The possibility of getting his freedom is good,” the report quoted Mohamad as saying after meeting with representatives of the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On May 6, armed men abducted Yang Zai Lin, a fish farm manager, at Pulau Baik in Lahad Datu.

Yang is believed to be "safe" in Jolo, the Star Online report said.

Last Friday, Philippine and Malaysian negotiators managed to secure the release of Marcelita Dayawan, 40, and Chinese Gao Huayun, 29. The two were abducted from a floating resort April 2.

Different kidnappers

Meanwhile, Mohamad said their findings showed the group behind the women's abduction was different from the one that abducted Yang.

He said there are 14 kidnap-for-ransom groups in the southern Philippines, seven of which are reportedly active.

Also, Mohamad said Esscom is eyeing a forward operations base using a former oil platform in the waters off Semporna district by year-end.

This would bolster the security forces’ ability to detect intrusion into Malaysian waters, he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/363682/news/regions/phl-malaysian-officials-working-for-release-of-abducted-chinese-believed-held-in-jolo