Duo killed likely spotters for ransom group
Published on: Wednesday, September 25, 2019
By: Efa Rizan
LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) believes that two men who were killed in a recent shootout with security forces off Lahad Datu waters on Sept. 3 were scouts or spotters for the Kidnap For Ransom Group.
Esscom Commander, DCP Datuk Hazani Ghazali said based on their investigation, they have also found the involvement of these two suspects in the kidnapping of 10 fishermen at Felda Sahabat on June 18, this year. Hazani said according to their information, the two suspects originated from the Philippines and stayed in Sabah.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Questioning the crew who were not taken hostage by the group in the June 18 case, it was found that the boat used in the shootout was one of those seen during the kidnapping incident,” he said.
Hazani said such acts are committed by Abu Sayyaf from Jolo and KFRG from Tawi-Tawi with the spotter later handing over the victims to them.
He said efforts to track down the remaining spotters are actively undertaken by the security forces (Esscom). Until now, 11 spotters have been shot dead by the security forces.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hazani said Esscom will continue to further strengthen security by coordinating operations undertaken by three agencies under the entity.
He said Esscom will also coordinate special operations based on their intelligence while the routine operations would be carried out as usual by the agencies.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
