Philippines, Malaysia cooperation seen to deter kidnappings in Sabah

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. is calling for stronger cooperation with Malaysian authorities to address the spate of kidnappings in Sabah.

Madrigal made the call in the wake of last Tuesday morning’s kidnapping of 10 fishermen by heavily armed suspects off the coast of Sabah.

“There’s no use in pointing fingers, blaming each other,” Madrigal said Thursday.

He added that lowering one’s guard offers a window for lawless elements to commit crimes.

Several senior military officials in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi have yet to establish if the 10 hostages have been taken to the Philippines by the kidnappers.

Malaysian authorities earlier said the kidnappers could be Abu Sayyaf militants, who might have taken the hostages to Tawi-Tawi or Sulu.

Reports said the 10 victims are undocumented Filipinos living in Sabah, while the six others whom the suspects released are Malaysians.

“If the Abu Sayyaf is behind the kidnapping, for sure they will not release the Malaysians,” said a military official in Sulu.