3 Malaysian hostages now in Jolo

JOLO, (ABS-CBN) -- Fears of a kidnap-for-ransom spree among local rebel groups were realized Tuesday after local authorities confirmed the three Malaysian hostages kidnapped from Borneo Sunday night have arrived in the southernmost island of Sulu.

Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Jose Calimlim said the Malaysians arrived in Jolo as early as Monday night, according to reports received from Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.

Calimlim confirmed the kidnap group were members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf rebel group, albeit a different one from the rebels' main faction in Jolo. A certain Landatan Umar was identified as the leader of the rebels who raided the Malaysian resort.

The ISAFP chief added the group may meet with the Abu Sayyaf's main faction to turn over the hostages to Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib "Kumander Robot" Andang.

The three Malaysian hostages are Mohamad Noor Sulaiman, resort manager; Joseph Jongkinoh, a divemaster; and Ah Kai, a contractor.

The Abu Sayyaf is one of two Muslim rebel groups fighting for a secessionist state in Southern Philippines.

The group achieved international prominence early this year after abducting 21 mostly foreign hostages from another Malaysian resort in Sipadan island last April 23. Twenty of the group's hostages have been freed as of September 9, largely due to foreign from the Libyan and Malaysian governments.

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