KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to secure the release of two Malaysians held captive by Abu Sayyaf militants may take some time, said Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman.
He said Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, and Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39, were safe despite the recent conflicts between Philippine army and the al-Qaeda-linked militants in Indanan, Jolo.
"We ask the families to remain calm and be patient. We are in constant communication with the Philippines authority," he told reporters here, today.
Early this week, the Philippines army raided Abu Sayyaf camp in an isolated area in Indanan to rescue 11 hostages, including two Malaysian captives.
Gun battle ensued, killing 15 militants, while hostages were believed to have been moved to another location.
During the conflicts, two captives who were the Philippine coastguard personnel managed to escape and were rescued by security forces.
The fate of other hostages were not known but Philippine Armed Forces Joint Task Group Sulu public affairs officer Captain Antonio Bulao had told New Straits Times that Thien and Bernard were believed to be still alive.
On May 14, Filipino gunmen stormed the Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan and abducted the owner Thien and her customer Bernard.
Kidnappers had initially demanded for RM30 million ransom per person but since reduced it to about RM15 million.
Meanwhile, the 7am to 5pm curfew has been extended to September 9 and it covers six districts within the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman. Photo by Mohd Adam Arinin
http://www.nst.com.my/node/97422
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