PHL, Malaysia authorities strengthen cooperation against kidnap groups

Philippine and Malaysian authorities have bolstered their intelligence-gathering capabilities to counter kidnap-for-ransom groups that have struck in Sabah in past months, a Sabah security official said.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general Datuk Mohamad Mantek claimed both sides are making "tremendous progress" on the matter, Malaysia's The Star Online reported Monday.

“We have improved our intelligence-gathering capabilities and we are making tremendous progress,” he reportedly told traders in Kota Kinabalu Sunday.

He said they have identified 14 kidnap-for-ransom groups, of which seven are active.

Mohamad also said they gathered a lot of information about the gangs after recent meetings between Philippine and Malaysian security officials.

Kidnappers hit a floating resort in Sabah on April 2, taking Filipina resort worker Marcelita Dayawan and Chinese tourist Gao Huayun.

Dayawan and Gao regained their freedom last Friday. Authorities claim no ransom was paid for their release.

Philippine and Malaysian authorities are now working for the release of Chinese fish farm manager Yang Zai Lin, 34, who was taken from Pulau Baik last May 6. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News

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