Fong relishes freedom, 17 years on

Kidnap victims: The nine Malaysians and two Filipino hostages in their makeshift tent in the jungles of Talipao. Fong is seated third from left.

SEMPORNA: For the past 16 years, dive instructor Ken Fong would look at his watch with dread at 8pm every April 23. He’ll be doing the same for the 17th time on Sunday.

“I remember the date and time very well. It was a big event in my life. I look to see if it is 8pm. That is the time we were kidnapped,” said the 44-year-old who is based in Osaka.