Abdullah thanks Philippines Government over
hostages release
KUALA MUDA, Penang, Aug 20
(Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Sunday thanked the
Philippine Government for its efforts in securing the release of the Malaysian hostages
held captive by gunmen on Jolo Island, Southern Philippines.
He also thanked all other individuals who helped in one way or another to free the
remaining three Malaysian hostages.
"All thanks and praise be to Almighty God....we are elated over their release and are
also happy for their families who have been waiting for this, for a long time," he
said after meeting the local community at Pulau Mertajam, off here.
The three Malaysians -- diver Ken Fong Yin Ken, Forest Ranger Basilius Jim and cook Kua Yu
Loong -- saw freedom at Zamboanga City.
They were handed over to Malaysian Ambassador Mohamed Arshad M.Hussain by Chief Philippine
negotiator Robert Aventajado.
Four other Malaysian hostages, Lee Hok Liong, Vincent Kwong, Francis Masangkin and
Balakrishnan Nair were released on July 21.
Two others a Malaysian policeman and a forest ranger were the first to be released.
The Malaysians were among 21 people including foreign tourists seized from Sipadan Island
off Sabah on April 23.
Back to Sipadan Hostages News
Back
to This Week's Borneo News |
