Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr also said the release indicates the Philippines’ cooperation with its neighbors is bearing fruit.
“Ikinalulugod natin ang balitang iyan. Hindi tayo tumitigil sa paglaban sa aksyon na ganyang kriminalidad na nakakaapekto sa imahe ng ating bansa,” Coloma said on government-run dzRB radio.
He also lauded the cooperation between Philippine and Malaysian forces in resolving “cross-border” issues such as international crimes.
“Maaring matukoy dito ang mainam na pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating bansa at kapit-bansa tulad ng Malaysia at Indonesia sa pagresolba ng ganoong usapin,” he said
On Friday evening, Malaysian media reported Marcelita Dayawan, 40, and Gao Hua Yuan, 29 – were rescued Friday morning.
The report said the two were rescued from Jolo at 10:30 a.m., then brought to the east coast of Sabah. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said both victims arrived there 4:30 p.m.
On the other hand, the report did not say if the armed men behind the abduction were indeed from the Abu Sayyaf.
Last April 2, armed men abducted Dayawan and Gao from the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort.
A separate report on Malaysia’s Bernama news agency said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak claimed no ransom was paid.
He also thanked the security forces for successfully securing the release of the two victims, adding the government was taking steps to facilitate the return of the Chinese home.
“I have just been briefed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) that the two women abducted from a resort in Sabah last April had been rescued by our authorities. No ransom was paid to secure their release,” he said.
“Many thanks to the Philippine security forces for the assistance and hard work in the release of two victims kidnapped from Semporna, Sabah. Congratulations to the Special Branch @PDRMsia, on the continued hard work that succeeded in releasing the two hostages. The victims were in good health,” he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
