Thien determined to survive for the sake of family

For the six months she was held hostage by a group of armed men in a jungle in southern Philippine, Thien Nyuk Fun was determined to survive the terrible ordeal, for the sake of her family in Sandakan.

"Thinking of my two children, their spouses, my grandchildren and my mother gave me the strength to go through the bitter experience," she said when met here on Tuesday.

Thien, 50, said throughout her captivity she kept telling herself to remain strong in order for her to be with her family again.

"My children lost their father when they were very young and I don't want them to lose me too as they are still young," she said.

She also thanked her family and friends for their prayers and support as well as all parties involved in securing her release.

Thien, who was kidnapped in an incident at the Ocean King Fi Restaurant here last May, was released on Sunday.

Another victim, Bernard Then, a Sarawakian who was a customer at the restaurant is still being held.