KOTA KINABALU: Philippine security forces rescued three remaining Malaysian hostages from the Abu Sayyaf militant group late last night.
They are Fandy Bakran, 26 and Mohd Jumadil Rahim, 23, from Tawau, and Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, from Pahang.
Eastern Sabah Security Commander Datuk Abdul Wan Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, when contacted, confirmed that the rescue had taken place at midnight in Sulu.
"They are safe and will be taken to hospital for medical check-ups.
"Like the other two rescued victims, arrangements to bring them home will be made as soon as possible," he said.
Last Thursday, Malaysians Tayudin Anjut, 45 and Abdul Rahim Summas, 62, were rescued by Philippines security forces after Abu Sayyaf members abandoned them while fleeing from a mangrove area in Barangay Karudong, Kalinggalang Caluang, Sulu.
The duo was reunited with their families this morning at the residence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in Taman Duta.
The five Malaysians were reported missing last year after the tugboat Serudong 3 was found abandoned at Dent Haven, off Lahad Datu, on July 18.
They were heading from Sandakan to Semporna the previous day when they were ambushed by Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.