SHAH ALAM – The success of the police force in securing the release of a Semporna fish trader abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) proves that perseverance, empathy and teamwork can overcome the most perilous situations.
This harrowing experience was shared by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, recalling his tenure at the Special Branch in Bukit Aman.
On Oct 5, 2011, the victim was abducted by ASG militants while at Pondohan Lok Angki, Sitangkai, in the southern Philippines.
“He was taken across dangerous waters before eventually being held in the Sulu region of the Jolo Islands—an area synonymous with armed militant activity and cross-border kidnappings.
"Throughout his detention, the man was moved from one location to another under tight ASG control to evade detection by the authorities,” Ayob said on Monday.
The family’s hopes rested on scant information until early September 2012, when intelligence confirmed the trader was alive and being held at an ASG camp in Bukit Kepang, Indanan Municipality.
Ayob revealed that the man was not the sole hostage; he was imprisoned alongside several foreign nationals, guarded by approximately 30 fully armed militants. Efforts to bring him home were conducted in total secrecy from December 2012 to March 2013.
“The Special Task Force (Operations/Counter-Terrorism) @ E8 department, through its network of sources, conducted more than 20 rounds of clandestine negotiations with the kidnappers.
"Negotiation after negotiation was handled with immense patience and strategy. Our officers involved in this special operation were known by the codenames Reno, Jaybon and Ariel,” he said.
After nearly 18 months in captivity, the man was finally freed on March 5, 2013, ending a dark episode that tested the resilience of the victim, the patience of his family, and the grit of the Special Branch.
“Although the operation was initially considered nearly impossible due to the security risks, the nature of overseas covert missions and tight maritime control, this success proves that no mission is too difficult for dedicated, proactive and courageous officers,” Ayob said.
He added that the bravery of the E8 department reflects the true spirit of the force: "Protecting lives is a responsibility carried out without expecting recognition, based instead on duty, sincerity, and sacrifice for the nation."