Sayyaf release Malaysian kidnap victim

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf extremists released a Malaysian police constable early yesterday, months after they kidnapped him from a Malaysian resort.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said civilian informants confirmed Zakia Aliep, a member of the Sandakan maritime police, was released unharmed in a remote village in Sulu.

Aliep was brought back to Sabah by speedboat shortly after he was released by the militants, Cabunoc said.

Malaysian authorities confirmed Aliep arrived in Sandakan, Sabah about 7 a.m. yesterday and was reunited with his family.

The military and Malaysian authorities, however, did not provide details of negotiations or payment of any ransom for the release of Aliep.

Local officials in Sulu said Malaysian authorities have been employing third party negotiations for the release of Aliep during his eight months in captivity.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen wearing military fatigues ambushed several Malaysian marine police officers guarding the Mabul Water Bungalow Resort in Sabah on July 12, killing one policeman and seizing Aliep as they escaped.

Philippine intelligence reports said Aliep was taken to an Abu Sayyaf jungle camp in Indanan.

The raid was one of several resorts in Sabah staged by the Abu Sayyaf to seize hostages for ransom.

Cabunoc said the Abu Sayyaf was forced to release the Malaysian due to the military offensives in Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has an estimated 400 members, has had links with terrorist group al-Qaeda. It has turned to ransom kidnappings and extortion to survive following years of setbacks from US military-backed offensives.

The militants are still holding a Dutch birdwatcher seized in Tawi-Tawi three years ago.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said on Wednesday that some 10 hostages are still being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf in the mountains of Sulu. – With Jaime Laude, AP