ESSCom updates wanted list of kidnap for ransom

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) today updated a list of foreign national suspects who are wanted for involvements in cross-border crimes in the waters of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Of the 21 names on the list, three were new entries, namely Mamay Aburi, Basaron Arok and Alvin Yusof @ Arab Puti.

ESSCom commander Hazani Ghazali (photo) said these 21 individuals were believed to be involved in kidnap for ransom activities on the east coast of Sabah.

“They were involved in planning crimes the whole of last year and are still active, they are wanted to assist into the investigation of cases on the east coast of Sabah,” he said when contacted today.

He also described the effort to trace kidnapping cases in the waters of the ESSZone as akin to a game of "cat-and-mouse".

“They (the suspects) are waiting for an opportunity while in hiding,” he said.

Also listed as wanted are Abu Sayyaf leaders, namely, Salip Mura and Hatip Hajan Sawadjaan.

Idang Susukan, the suspect who was responsible for decapitating Malaysian Bernard Then Ted Fen, kidnapped at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan on May 2015, was also on the wanted list.

Others on the list are Apo Mike @ Majan Sahidjuan; Al Munjir Yadah; Raden Abuh, Marajam @ Manajan Asiri; Sangbas @ Anjang; Hamsan Pakkan @ Black Cobra; Sabri Madrasul @ Salip Jul; Ben Tatoh Quirino; Titing Alihasan @ Iyot Panday; Jul @ Jun Hasan; Jul Aksan Abdurajan @ Halimaw; Tampi @ Bunju; Long Sahirin; Halip Ibrahim and Haibin Mubin @ Apo Kuhambo.

Hazani said the latest list was released after an investigation by ESSCom including confirmation from the authorities in the Philippines.

Anyone with information on the individuals in the wanted list could contact the ESSCom operations room at 089-863181 or send a WhatsApp message to 013-8803585 or 019-2305909. - Bernama