Sandakan kidnapping: Police alerted over armed kidnappers, two victims

The Philippine police have been alerted for possible interdiction, in the event four gunmen and their two victims were headed their way, following last night's kidnapping at a seafood restaurant near the Sandakan coastline.

In a statement here today, the Philippine Embassy expressed concern and hoped that with intensified cooperation, the incident would be resolved soon.

It said the Philippine authorities, notably maritime units and anti-kidnapping operatives closely coordinated with their Malaysian counterparts to address threats from kidnap gangs.

In the 8pm incident yesterday, four men stormed the Ocean King Seafood Restaurant, a popular seafood outlet in Sandakan, and abducted the female restaurant manager and a customer who was a tourist from Sarawak.

READ: Two individuals kidnapped in Sandakan - ESSCOM director

Police hunting for Ocean King Restaurant kidnappers and victims

The kidnappers who wore no mask escaped in a boat.

Sandakan is about an hour's speed boat ride from the southern Philippine island of Bakungan Besar.

Security forces have not ruled out the kidnappers may be linked to the terror group Abu Sayyaf.

In Kota Kinabalu, Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said a major upgrade on surveillance and standard of intelligence operations was needed to prevent recurrence of kidnapping cases in Sabah.

Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP, said this had to be done soon to protect the safety and security of the people, failing which it would affect the people's confidence in the country's security system and ability to handle terrorists, including foreign elements.

He was speaking to reporters after a media briefing on the state Kaamatan festival celebration here today.

Expressing disappointment on the recent kidnapping cases, Ongkili said the government spared no effort, including setting up the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and supplying assets to ensure safety and security.

However, kidnapping cases continued to occur. "I think something is wrong. (That's why) We need a major upgrade (standard) on surveillance and intelligence. I believe they (Esscom) are capable of doing it but the system has to be improved, and if they have additional assets, they should ask for it and coordinate," said Ongkili, who is also energy, green technology and water minister.