Abu Sayyaf demands P100 M for release of Malaysian captives

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf bandits have demanded a ransom of 8.8 million ringgit or an estimated P100 million in exchange for the release of five Malaysian sailors they are holding in Sulu.

Tayudin Anjut, Mohammad Ridzuan Bin Ismail, Abdul Rahim Bin Summas, Fandy Bin Bakran and Zulkipli Bin, crewmembers of Serudung 3, were taken off the coast of Lahad Datu in Sabah on July 19.

A Malaysian-based news website reported that the bandits are negotiating with the families and employers of the victims.

The kidnappers reportedly rejected third party negotiations.

When asked for comment, the military said it could not confirm the ransom demand.

However, Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, assured the public that ground forces are exhausting efforts to rescue  the remaining hostages.

Aside from the Malaysian sailors, a Dutch, a German, a Korean, four Indonesians, six Vietnamese as well as five Filipinos remain in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

Tan said there would be no letup in the search and rescue operations even during the Yuletide season.

He said at least 157 bandits, including some of their sub-leaders, have been killed and 159 others wounded in military operations in Sulu and Basilan since July.

Twenty-nine other bandits were arrested in Sulu, Zamboanga peninsula and Basilan.

Tan said 41 others who surrendered last month yielded 45 high-powered firearms.