Abu Sayyaf releases Malaysian fish breeder

From ABS-CBN (Dec 11): Abu Sayyaf releases Malaysian fish breeder

Filipino militant group Abu Sayyaf has released a Malaysian hostage, a Malaysian news report said.

A report by Malaysia's The Star Online said Chan Sai Chuin, a fish breeder from Kunak town in Sabah state, was brought back to Malaysia by a group of Malaysian and Filipino negotiators on Wednesday after being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf for almost half a year.

Chan, 32, was snatched by Abu Sayyaf bandits from his farm in Kampung Sapong in Kunak on June 16. He was freed before midnight Tuesday, the Star Online reported.

The news website, however, said there is no confirmation if a 3 million Malaysian ringgit (roughly P38.3 million) ransom demand, euphemistically called ''board and lodging fee'', was paid for Chan's release.

Chan underwent a medical examination and was given a debriefing by the police. He is set to return to his fish farm, which he built roughly three months before he was abducted.

The report said negotiations are also ongoing for the release of another hostage, marine policeman Kons Zakiah Aleip, who was snatched from Mabul island, also in Sabah, last July 12.

Another 3 million Malaysian ringgit was allegedly demanded by the Abu Sayyaf for his release.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/11/14/abu-sayyaf-releases-malaysian-fish-breeder