Group holding M’sians more keen on ransom

KOTA KINABALU: The two Malaysian captives in the hands of Abu Sayyaf groups in the southern Philippines are unlikely to face the threat of execution like the German couple held by another more extremist group.

A Filipino academician who has been studying the terror group said the Abu Sayyaf factions holding Marine police Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26, and fish farm manager Chan Sai Chuin, 32, in Jolo island were more interested in getting “payment” for their captives.

“These people are materialistic and not so much political in nature,” said Prof Octavio Dinampo of the Southern Mindanao State University.

He claimed that the faction holding Kons Zakiah was led by Jihad Susukan @ Idang, the younger brother of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Mujib Susukan, one of those involved in the kidnapping of 21 Malaysians and foreigners from Pulau Sipadan in April 2000.

Dinampo said Kons Zakiah was at first held in the mountainous jungles of Talipao but had been moved closer towards Indanan over the past few weeks.

He said Chan was being held by a Abu Sayyaf faction led by two brothers with the family name of Sawajan in the Patikul municipality.

There have also been claims that notorious Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsi Misaya was the man behind the groups holding Kons Zakiah and Chan.

The separate groups are demanding RM3mil each for their release and it is understood that negotiations through mediators had stalled because of the “excessive” demand.

The wives of Kons Zakiah and Chan are increasingly worried over reports of threats to behead the Germans, who have since been freed.

Sharifah Ernah Berson and Chin Pek Nyen said they could only offer prayers for the safety of their husbands.

“I last spoke to Zakiah about two weeks ago. I pray every day that he will remain unharmed and be returned to us safely,” she said.

“I am hearing so many rumours now. I don’t know what to believe,” said Chin, who hoped the state government and federal government can help secure Chan’s release as soon as possible.

Kons Zakiah was abducted by Filipino gunmen from the Mabul Water Bungalows Resort in Semporna on July 12, while Chan was snatched from his fish farm in Kunak on June 16.