SEMPORNA (Bernama): One of two Indonesian fishermen who was abducted at Bodgaya Island here in September has managed to escape from the kidnapping-for-ransom syndicate and reunite with his family.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah confirmed the matter and said, from the pictures obtained, the victim had met his family but the location of the meeting was unknown.

“They (victim and his family) could have reunited either in Manila or Jakarta, but surely the victim has escaped to safety,” he said when met at the district level's Maulidur Rasul celebration here Saturday (Dec 15).

The event was officiated by Deputy Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Jaujan Sambakong, who is also Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister.

Based on a report published by the Manila Bulletin, Usman Yusuf, 35, broke free from his abductors at Barangay Bual, Luuk, in Sulu waters on Dec 6, before being rescued by the security forces.

In the Sept 11 incident, Usman and his colleague Samsul Saguni, 40, were kidnapped by gunmen while fishing at Bodgaya Island at 12.30pm.

Meanwhile, Omar said the police had identified the suspects involved in the recent abduction of three fishermen at Pegasus Reef, in waters between Lahad Datu and the Philippines.

However, he could not disclose more details as investigations are ongoing.

Recently, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal urged for offensive action to be taken by the federal government to tackle cross-border kidnapping threats in Sabah. – Bernama