DFA confirms abduction of Pinoy, Malaysian in Sabah

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday confirmed the abduction of a Filipino and Malaysian national in Sabah early Monday.

In a television interview, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the kidnap victims were seen being taken to the southern part of the Philippines.

"Kinonfirm ng ating Embassy sa Kuala Lumpur na mayroon ngang in-abduct na isang Filipino together with a Malaysian dito sa Sabah. Nakita silang patungo dito sa southern Philippines at nainform na rin ang ARMM [Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] regional police tungkol sa kasong ito," Jose said in an interview on GMA News TV's "News To Go."

The DFA official called for tighter control in the border separating the Philippines and Malaysia in the wake of the new kidnapping incident.

"Very porous ang border natin sa pagitan ng Philippines and Malaysia. Ang kailangan diyan, both sides should really intensify, strengthen iyong border control natin para maiwasan ang mga insidenteng katulad nito," Jose said.

On Monday, a report by Malaysia's Bernama news agency identified the kidnap victims as Malaysian fish breeder Chan Sai Chiun and Filipino worker "Maslan."

The abduction reportedly occurred in Kampung Sampang, west of Pulau Timbun Mata in Semporna.

Two months ago, Filipina resort worker Marcelita Dayawan and Chinese tourist Gao Hua Yuan were also abducted from a floating resort in Sabah. They were rescued by Philippine and Malaysian authorities last May 30. —Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News