Malaysian police hint at early release of Pinay, Chinese snatched in Sabah

A Malaysian police official has hinted at the early release of a Filipina resort worker and a Chinese tourist who were abducted from a floating resort in Sabah last April 2.

Malaysian police Inspector General Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said they expect to make a "closure" on the case "soon," Malaysia's The Star Online reported Monday.

While he did not elaborate, he was quoted in the report as saying that steps are being taken to secure the release of Marcelita Dayawan, 40, and Chinese tourist Gao Huayun, 29.

“Our priority is their safety. Anything we say could pose a threat to their safety,” he said.

Both women are safe, he added. The two were seized by seven armed men believed to be from the Abu Sayyaf, a loosely organized band of bandits in southern Philippines notorious for bombings and kidnappings.

Khalid also said they have strengthened communication with their counterparts in the Philippines. — Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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