Three rescued M’sian hostages to come home soon
KoTA KInABALU: The three rescued Malaysian hostages are expected to be flown back home soon after the legal process has been ironed out, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din.
He said Fandy Bakran, 27, Mohd Jumadil Rahim, 23, and Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 33, are still in Manila. Bukit Aman is handling their return to Malaysia.
“They will be brought to Kuala Lumpur first for documentation and other necessary procedures. They will then be allowed to return to Sabah,” Comm Ramli said yesterday.
He said two hostages rescued earlier – Tayudin Anjut, 46, and Abdul Rahim Summas, 62 – are still in Kuala Lumpur with their families.
Both are being treated in hospital.
The five Malaysians were abducted by Abu Sayyaf militants from the waters off Dent Haven, Lahad Datu, on July 18 last year.
Fandy, Mohd Jumadil and Mohd Ridzuan were rescued on Sunday in an ongoing military operation against the Abu Sayyaf.
They were taken to a military hospital in Jolo for treatment.
Abdul Rahim and Tayudin were rescued by Philippine security forces a few days earlier on March 23.
Meanwhile, security forces in Sabah are beefing up border security to keep out militants or criminals who could be fleeing the military offensive in the southern Philippines.
Ramli said the ongoing offensive against Abu Sayyaf militants was a positive sign for Sabah’s security.
“Our waters and borders are now considerably safer due to these offensives that are also crippling the activities of the kidnap-for-ransom groups.
“But there could also be those coming here to seek refuge,” he said after a programme with the police volunteer reserves here yesterday.