From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 12): Westmincom alerts border forces as gunmen seize 2 in Malaysia
The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Wednesday alerted its forces along the country’s border with Malaysia to be on the lookout for gunmen on board watercraft.
This came as two gunmen reportedly abducted two Indonesians aboard a fishing boat, shortly after it docked at the Pulau Gaya jetty near Semporna, Malaysia, between Tuesday midnight and 1 a.m. Wednesday.
The Malaysian authorities identified the kidnap victims as Samsul Sagunim, 40, and Usman Yunus, 35. Two of their companions managed to escape by hiding in one of the boat’s compartments.
The Malaysian police is investigating whether the two gunmen are linked to the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group or to criminal groups from southern Philippines known to extort from owners of fishing boats.
“We received advance information from our Malaysia counterpart about the incident. We have alerted the forces along the border (of the Philippines and Malaysia),” said Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer.
Besana added they are still waiting for updates from the troops in the field since it was still unknown where the gunmen were headed.
He said it could be a speculation that the suspects are Tausug-speaking as the details about the incident are still incomplete although the victims have been identified.
The incident occurred after the four Indonesians had gone fishing, along with 11 other fishermen, off Pulau Gaya three days ago.
They then headed to shore to deliver their catch.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047747
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