5 Malaysians abducted by Abu Sayyaf, says Philippines peace adviser

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Tuesday said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) kidnapped five more Malaysians in Lahad Datu, Sabah on Monday afternoon.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Dureza said: “I heard today that they took five more Malaysians in Lahad Datu and the Indonesians are still there.”

Dureza also disclosed that “there are efforts” from Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to secure the release of the Norwegian national still held captive by the group.

“There [are] efforts from Misuari and he’d like to do coordination,” he said.

Misuari is facing rebellion charges over the 20-day Zamboanga City siege in 2013 that led to the deaths of 200 people and the displacement of thousands of others. —ALG, GMA News