Malaysia clears abducted Filipina of involvement in Sabah kidnapping

Malaysia. ShutterStock image

MANILA -– The Filipina resort staff, who was abducted along with a Chinese tourist by suspected Filipino Muslim extremists off Sabah in April, was cleared by Malaysian authorities of suspected involvement in the kidnapping, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the Malaysian government did not find any evidence linking Filipino Marcy Dayawan to the kidnappers who are believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf, a group of armed bandits listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.

“Malaysia has cleared her of any involvement in the kidnapping,” Jose said in a press briefing.

Dayawan and Chinese national Gao Huayun were snatched from Singamata Resort by gunmen on April 2 and were taken to the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Tawi-Tawi in Southern Mindanao.

They were released from captivity last May 30 in a joint rescue operation conducted by the Philippines and Malaysian forces. The two hostages were brought to Malaysia afterwards.

The Philippine and Malaysian governments have denied paying ransom to Dayawan and Gao’s captors.

Jose said Dayawan, who is now under the care of the Philippine Embassy, will be repatriated to the Philippines soon.

“Preparations are under way for her repatriation back to the Philippines,” Jose said.