Abus get P20 M for Malaysian’s release

MANILA, Philippines - The Abu Sayyaf bandit group based in Sulu reportedly got P20 million for the release of a Malaysian police officer it seized in Semporna, Sabah last year.

Sources told The STAR that Constable Zakia Aliep, 26, a member of the Royal Malaysian Marine police, was freed last Friday following negotiations reportedly facilitated by Malaysian authorities.

“Malaysian authorities, without coordinating with the local officials in Sulu as well as the military and police on the ground, picked up Aliep in Indanan town at about 11 p.m. after paying P20 million in ransom to his kidnappers earlier in the day,” one of the sources said.

Arriving in Sandakan, Malaysia in a pumpboat on Saturday, the victim was presented to Chief Minister Datu Seri Musa at around 7: 30 a.m. before being reunited with his family in Kampung Sumngai Kayu.

The Abu Sayyaf killed Aliep’s partner, Corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32, during a raid at Palau Mabul, Sabah on July 12, 2014.

Sources said aside from the P20 million, the bandits also reportedly got P40 million in ransom for Gau Huayun, whom they snatched in June 17 last year in Kampung Air Sapang in Kunak district.

While Malaysian authorities claimed their police commandos rescued Huayun, ground security sources said that the victim was only freed after the bandit group was paid P40 million.

Another source said the Malaysians’ alleged meddling in Philippine affairs violated the state’s sovereignty.

The source said that by paying the kidnappers, Malaysian authorities are providing the bandit group funds to support its criminal activities.