One Msian released in Sabah hostage drama

From the New Straits Times Online (Nov 9): One Msian released in Sabah hostage drama 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman today confirmed that Thien Nyuk Fun, who was taken hostage from a restaurant in Sandakan in May this year, has been released. He said the release of the 50-year-old was the result of months of negotiations and coordination among relevant authorities.

"We are relieved that one of the hostages has been released. We are sure that their families are anxiously awaiting their return.

"Her (Thien's) release is the result of months of negotiations and a coordinated effort among the relevant authorities at many levels to secure their release," he said in a statement.

Musa also thanked to those working hard to bring the hostage home and urged relevant authorities to remain vigilant at all times to keep borders secure from further intrusion.

It was reported that restaurant manager Thien, 50, had returned back to her hometown today after being released by her captors.

The woman was said to have been held by Abu Sayyaf commander Indang Susukan and released from the Indanan area in Jolo island about 11pm yesterday.

It was also reported that a ransom of 30 million pesos (RM 2.7 million) was paid to secure Thien’s release.

Two Malaysian police officals were said to have accompanied Sulu Vice-Governor Abdusakur Tan’s security aides to help in the negotiation.

It was claimed that another man, Bernard Then, 39, also taken hostage with Thien, has yet to be released and the negotiations wee still ongoing.

Philippine police had identified the leaders of the group as Alhabsy Misaya, Alden Bagade and Angah Adji. One of the group leaders Mindas Muktader was earlier killed by security officials in Jolo, Sulu.

http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/11/one-msian-released-sabah-hostage-drama