The Malaysian security forces suspect the “Muktadir brothers” are behind four abductions in the east coast of Sabah since November, Malaysia’s The Star Online reported.
Citing intelligence officers it interviewed, the report said the Muktadir brothers are among the “most active” of some 14 known kidnap-for-ransom groups in the southern Philippines.
It said the group has five members whose father was a “notorious pirate” who “terrorized the Sulu and Celebes seas” before he died in the late 1990s.
Last April 2, gunmen abducted Filipina resort worker Marcelita Dayawan and Chinese tourist Gao Huayun from a floating resort. The two women were released May 30.
On May 6, Chinese Yang Zai Lin, 34, was snatched by suspected Filipino gunmen from the Wonderful Terrace Fish Farm in Lahad Datu waters. Abu Sayyaf bandits are believed holding him.
Last June 16, suspected Filipino gunmen abducted a Filipino worker and a fish breeder from Sabah. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
