Sulu 'pirates' release 9 fishermen

SEMPORNA - Nine fishermen were taken hostage by a group of armed men in a boat in waters near here on Tuesday evening, but were released the same night after telling the gunmen they were Muslims.

The armed group of about 10 people had first approached a fishing boat near Bum Bum Island at 6.30pm and asked the lone fisherman for directions to Mabul Island.

It is learnt that the fisherman boarded the group's boat to show them the way to the island. They were dressed in casual attire and armed with pistols.

District police chief Deputy Superintendent Mohd Firdaus Francis Abdullah yesterday said the group later bumped into another fishing boat with 10 fishermen aboard at 9.30pm near Omadal Island.

"The group was heading towards Mabul and took eight fishermen from the second boat with them as the other two were hiding. The fishermen were told that they would be taken to the Philippines."

The fishermen said the men spoke in the Suluk language. When the gunmen asked the fishermen what their religion was, the fishermen claimed they were Muslims.

"The armed group then decided to turn back and when they saw another fishing boat, the fishermen were asked to jump into the sea."

The gunmen left the scene while the fishermen swam to the other boat before being taken to the mainland, where they lodged a police report.

Eastern Sabah Security Command director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said it was believed that the gunmen were pirates.

"We believe the group has nothing to do with the intrusion by gunmen from Sulu. They are just pirates."