Now, Philippines says no ransom paid
Published: Jun 1, 2014 8:13 AM | Updated: Jun 1, 2014 8:24 AM
No ransom has been paid to secure the release of the Chinese tourist Gao Huayun and Filipino hotel worker Marcy Dayawan, the leader of the Philippines anti-kidnapping task force in the south Agrimero Cruz confirms.
According the AFP report yesterday, Cruz also said that the Philippine government will be pursuing criminal charges against their abductors, but declined to comment further as it is still negotiating for the release of other kidnap victims.
Cruz’s statement contradicts a Reuters report yesterday that quoted an unnamed Philippine police official that a “large ransom” was paid for the women’s release.
No ransom has been paid to secure the release of the Chinese tourist Gao Huayun (below) and Filipino hotel worker Marcy Dayawan, the leader of the Philippines anti-kidnapping task force in the south Agrimero Cruz confirms.
According the AFP report yesterday, Cruz also said that the Philippine government will be pursuing criminal charges against their abductors, but declined to comment further as it is still negotiating for the release of other kidnap victims.
Cruz’s statement contradicts a Reuters report yesterday that quoted an unnamed Philippine police official that a “large ransom” was paid for the women’s release.
However, it is in line with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s earlier statement that no ransom was paid.
AFP also reported that the terrorist group who kidnapped the women, Abu Sayyaf, is believed to be holding several locals and foreigners as hostages in the jungles of southern Philippines, including two European bird-watchers kidnapped in 2012.
Filipina detained
Meanwhile, The Rakyat Post reported yesterday that the Filipino hotel worker, Marcy, has been detained for investigations at the Bukit Aman police headquarters to determine whether she is an accomplice to the kidnappers.
“We will detain her further until we are satisfied and confident that she is not involved in the kidnapping incident,” Sabah police chief Hamza Taib was quoted as saying.
The report says Marcy had entered Malaysia illegally and was employed at Singamata Reef Resort just two months before the incident, and will be deported home if found to be “clean”.
Gao and Marcy were abducted by the armed group from the resort on April 2.
Another victim may be released
Separately, The Star reports that a Chinese national abducted from Lahad Datu on May 6 is still safe, and may soon be free.
“The possibility of getting his freedom is good,” Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general Mohamad Mantek was quoted as saying.
He said Malaysian and Philippine security officials are still working to secure the fish farm manager Yang Zai Lin’s release.
He added that the group who abducted Yang is different from the group that abducted Gao and Marcy, explaining that there are 14 known kidnap-for-ransom groups in the southern Philippines of which seven are still active.
According the AFP report yesterday, Cruz also said that the Philippine government will be pursuing criminal charges against their abductors, but declined to comment further as it is still negotiating for the release of other kidnap victims.Cruz’s statement contradicts a Reuters report yesterday that quoted an unnamed Philippine police official that a “large ransom” was paid for the women’s release.
However, it is in line with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s earlier statement that no ransom was paid.
AFP also reported that the terrorist group who kidnapped the women, Abu Sayyaf, is believed to be holding several locals and foreigners as hostages in the jungles of southern Philippines, including two European bird-watchers kidnapped in 2012.
Filipina detained
Meanwhile, The Rakyat Post reported yesterday that the Filipino hotel worker, Marcy, has been detained for investigations at the Bukit Aman police headquarters to determine whether she is an accomplice to the kidnappers.
“We will detain her further until we are satisfied and confident that she is not involved in the kidnapping incident,” Sabah police chief Hamza Taib was quoted as saying.The report says Marcy had entered Malaysia illegally and was employed at Singamata Reef Resort just two months before the incident, and will be deported home if found to be “clean”.
Gao and Marcy were abducted by the armed group from the resort on April 2.
Another victim may be released
Separately, The Star reports that a Chinese national abducted from Lahad Datu on May 6 is still safe, and may soon be free.
“The possibility of getting his freedom is good,” Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general Mohamad Mantek was quoted as saying.
He said Malaysian and Philippine security officials are still working to secure the fish farm manager Yang Zai Lin’s release.
He added that the group who abducted Yang is different from the group that abducted Gao and Marcy, explaining that there are 14 known kidnap-for-ransom groups in the southern Philippines of which seven are still active.
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