Lahad Datu kidnapping: Victim contacts employer on ransom demand

One of the three Indonesians who were kidnapped by five armed men in Lahad Datu waters on Saturday, has contacted his employer to inform of the group's ransom demand.

Indonesia's consul in Tawau, Abdul Fatah Zainal said the victim contacted his employer who is based in Lahad Datu less than 24 hours after the incident.

"We have yet to ascertain whether the call was made from his (victim's) handphone or that of others but we know for sure the call originated from the Philippines," he told reporters here today.

Abdul Fatah said the Indonesian government would work closely with the Malaysian authorities to free the three victims, identified as Lorence Koten, 34, Teo Dorus Kopong, 42, and Emanuel, 46. (Many Indonesians go by just one name).

"The three of them have been in Sabah for less than a year and work as fishermen in Lahad Datu," he said

They were kidnapped while fishing in Lahad Datu waters at 11.40pm on Saturday. However, four of their fellow crewmen on their trawler were freed by the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, Abdul Fatah reminded Indonesians in Sabah to to heed all regulations set specifically for the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

"Besides this, they (Indonesians) must also be more alert wherever they are. Do not travel to the southern Philippines especially to Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Jolo to avoid untoward incidents," he said.