ZAMBOANGA CITY: Two masked gunmen abducted two Indonesian fishermen off Semporna town in Sabah despite a strict security and sea curfew imposed by Malaysian authorities over persistent threats posed by Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists. Police said all four Indonesians had gone fishing with 11 other fishermen near Pulau Gaya in the past three days. Ramli said police intelligence indicated that kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf bandits were still trying to commit cross-border crimes. The military previously said security is tight in the border to prevent Abu Sayyaf kidnappings inside Sabah or in the waters of Tawi-Tawi, which is frequented by cargo boats. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several foreign hostages in the restive southern region of Mindanao.

Source: Manila Times September 12, 2018 15:56 UTC