KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police are prepared for the eventuality of retaliation following its gunning down of three armed kidnappers in its east coast early this month.
State police commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said the force has undergone aggressive training to respond to emergencies, including possible resistance from cross-border criminals.
"We are aware that in cases involving gunfights or arrests, there will be feelings of dissatisfaction and revenge.
"However, police along with other enforcement agencies will continue to remain diligent and protect the peace and sovereignty. We are ever ready," he said during his official visit to the district headquarters here.
On Dec 8, policemen from the General Operations Force shot dead three gunmen during a kidnap attempt in Semporna waters.
The team also arrested two kidnappers in the process.
One of those killed, Abraham @ Ibrahim Hamid, was reported to be a key member of the Abu Sayyaf militant group.
"It was indeed Abraham @ Ibrahim. I have received the details," confirmed Rashid. He however said Abraham was a former member of Abu Sayyaf.
"Whether he was still linked with the group, I do not know but what is sure is that he was involved in many kidnappings for ransom."
He said police are investigating whether Abraham was involved in the recent kidnappings in Sabah waters, particularly the abduction of five Malaysians in Lahad Datu.
"We are looking into that. We have made two arrests and if there is enough evidence, we will bring them to court."
On July 18, five Malaysians, Tayudin Anjut, 45; Abdul Rahim Summas, 62; Fandy Bakran, 26; and Mohamad Jumadil Rahim, 23 from Tawau; as well as Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, from Pahang were taken from their tugboat in Lahad Datu waters.
Their families in Tawau had tried to raise RM2million on Oct 18 from public to secure their release.
The last contact with the kidnappers to family members was on Oct 12.