Malaysian police clear Pinay resort worker in kidnapping incident

(Updated 6:05 p.m.) The Philippine Embassy in Malaysia is preparing for the repatriation of rescued Filipina kidnap victim Marcy Dayawan after she was cleared by Malaysian police.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib has earlier said Dayawan will be sent back to the Philippines only after police confirm she is not linked to the kidnapping incident.

Dayawan, 40, a resort worker in Singamata Reef Resort off Borneo Island, was seized by armed men, along with female Chinese tourist Gao Huayun, on April 2. The two were freed on Friday following a joint rescue operation by Filipino and Malaysian authorities in Sabah.

On Monday, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya said Malaysian authorities have cleared Dayawan of any involvement in the kidnapping.

“After a thorough interview, Malaysian police authorities have concluded that Ms. Dayawan is a victim in the kidnapping incident, along with Ms. Gao,” he said. “The embassy shares in the relief being felt by the victims in the resolution of this incident.”

Philippine authorities have blamed the kidnapping on Filipino bandit group Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for abducting foreigners in exchange for ransom.

“The rescued Filipino victim was turned over early last night so she’s now under the care and custody of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Preparations are under way for her repatriation back to the Philippines,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose told a press briefing Monday.

Dayawan and Gao were taken to Malaysia after the rescue mission.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia expressed deep concern over the spate of abductions in Sabah allegedly perpetrated by criminal groups in Mindanao, citing the detrimental impact of such incidents to residents of Mindanao and Sabah.

“We wish that these groups desist from conducting such criminal activities, as many of the affected people in Mindanao and Sabah share a common heritage and have close affinity and blood ties. Carrying out or tolerating these criminal actions is a disservice to one’s country, fellowmen and kin,” the Embassy said in a statement. —KBK, GMA News

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