Abu Sayyaf eager to cash in

Armed and dangerous: Abu Sayyaf gunmen in a photograph that was taken shortly before German hostages Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen were released.

KOTA KINABALU: Gunmen holding the four Malaysians at the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Jolo appear eager to “convert” their captives into quick cash.

Jolo-based anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octavio Dinampo, who said this, added that a Facebook photograph of the four abducted seamen was to pressure their families into negotiating a deal for their release.