Abus holding Sino trader, Malaysian partner in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A Chinese businessman and his Malaysian associate who were seized four days ago in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia are being held by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu, according to a peace advocate.

“It’s confirmed that Yang Zai Lin and Konur Resowan were brought to Kabbun Takas,” said Octavio Dinampo, a professor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) Sulu, citing a tip from an “informant.” 

Dinampo said the kidnappers, together with their two captives, arrived in Kabbun Takas, Patikul town Wednesday night. 

The group of Abu Sayyaf senior leader Radulan Sahiron is believed to be holding camp in Kabbun Takas.

Yang, 34, manager of the Wonderful Terrace Sdn Fish Farm owned by a Hong Kong-based national, and Resowan were reportedly snatched by five armed men aboard a speedboat at their fish farm in Pulau Baik off Silam, Lahad Datu on Tuesday morning. 

Malaysian authorities who gave chase said the kidnappers later transferred to a pumpboat with a more powerful engine and engaged their pursuers in a brief shootout before making good their escape toward the direction of Sulu.

The kidnapping was the second in Malaysia in a span of 35 days by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits. Earlier, another Chinese, Gau Huayuan, 29, and Filipina resort worker Marcelita Dayawan, 40, were seized in a resort off Semporna. The two are believed also being held in Sulu. 

Authorities have also confirmed that the Abu Sayyaf is also holding captive two German nationals – Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and her female companion, Herike Diesen, 55 – who were snatched from their yacht off Palawan last month.