Semporna kidnapping: Suspects were involved in other similar cases

"The rest of them we believe were involved in the kidnapping in Sipadan in 2000 and this is only done for ransom. They are believed to be very aggressive and active in the southern Philippines," Mohammad said.

The ESSCOM is confident that the two hostages are now being held in the southern Philippines.

"We have identified the location where they are kept and both of them are in good condition".

Mohammad said there was a possibility of involvement of local people who came from the Philippines who provide information to the abductors.

He said 15 migrant workers in Singgahmata Adventures Reef and Resort were also arrested for not having a valid identification document.

"Action will be taken against the employers and resort operators if proven to hire foreign workers without valid documents. They have been repeatedly given the same warning during a meeting with businessmen including resorts or tourist centres in Sabah recently, but many still do not want to comply."

On Thursday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib told media that a Chinese national woman and a Filipino resort worker were kidnapped from the resort by a group of seven armed men.

The incident had happened at 10:30 pm Wednesday.

The Chinese national who is also a student is identified as Gao Hua Yua, 29, from Shanghai and the resort worker known as Marcy Dayawan or Mimi, 40.

The resort situated on the water with 60 operating rooms for more than 10 years ago is located about two nautical miles from the town of Semporna.