Other kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf in Sabah

May 14, 2015: Restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, and Sarawakian electrical consultant Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39, were kidnapped from Sandakan. In November, Then would be killed by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Jolo, just days after Thien was released.

July 12, 2014: A policeman is killed and another kidnapped from Mabul Island.

June 16, 2014: A fish farm manager is kidnapped from Kampung Air Sapang, Kunak.

May 6, 2014: Chinese national Yang Zai Lin, 34, is abducted from a fish farm in Baik Island, Lahad Datu, where he worked as manager.

April 2, 2014: Chinese national Gao Hua Yun, 29, and Filipina resort worker Marcy Dayawan, 40, were snatched from the Singamata Reef Resort, Semporna.

November 2013: Militants kidnapped Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, 58, after killing her husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a cross-border raid on Pom Pom Island.

September 10, 2000: Three Malaysians were kidnapped from Pandanan Island, near Sipadan.

May 3, 2000: 21 hostages were kidnapped from a dive resort on the Island of Sipadan and taken to the Abu Sayyaf base in Jolo, Sulu.