Negotiations with Abu Sayyaf to free cop stall

KOTA KINABALU: Negotiations to secure the release of marine policeman Konst Zakiah Aleip (pic) are stalling as Abu Sayyaf gunmen are demanding too high a ransom.

The problem is compounded as Zakiah is being moved constantly due to ongoing Philippines military operations in its Jolo Island hideouts.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman added that Zakiah is believed to be in healthy condition and had not contracted any illnesses.

"Their demands are still too high," he said on Saturday,  without disclosing the amount.

Zakiah was snatched from the Mabul Water Bungalows resort in Semporna Island on July 12 last year.

Filipino sources indicated that the Abu Sayyaf gunmen initially demanded RM3mil, then dropped their price to RM1.5mil before asking for more again.

Jalaluddin said that they had been able to speak to Zakiah and have kept his wife, Sharifah Erna Berson, informed.

"We are restricting communication between Zakiah's wife as we do not want her to be disturbed by various other elements," he said.