Kidnapped Malaysian cop released by Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines – A Malaysian policeman abducted at a Malaysian diving resort in July 2014 was released by his Abu Sayyaf captors on Saturday, March 7, Malaysian authorities said.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman announced that Marine policeman Constable Zakiah Aleip was rescued early Saturday morning and was back in Malaysia, a New Straits Times report said.

Zakiah was abducted, and another Malaysian policeman killed, when heavily-armed men stormed a diving resort in Mabul Island, a popular diving spot, on July 12, 2014. (READ: Gunmen attack Sabah diving resort)

Malaysian authorities initially referred to the abductors as coming from a “neighboring country,” apparently referring to the Philippines.

The police officer was believed to have been turned over to the Abu Sayyaf, which held him in Jolo, Sulu.

Zakiah’s abduction was the  kidnapping of the policeman was the fourth in series of simialr abductions in Sabah in 2014, which had dealt a blow on its tourism industry.

In June 2014,  32-year-old Malaysian fish breeder 32-year-old Chan Sai Chuin  was seized by Filipino gunmen from his fish farm in Sapong Kunak, but was freed in December that year.

In May 2014, a Chinese fish farm manager was abducted from his farm, while in April a female Chinese tourist and a Filipino resort worker were abducted. All 3 have been released. 

The Abu Sayyaf, which is believed to be affiliated with Al-Qaeda, was blamed for the abduction of 21 people – including several foreign tourists – from a Sabah diving resort in 2000. – Rappler.com