A Malaysian security personnel got injured in a fierce gun battle between security forces and armed kidnappers in Merabung at Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu. According to initial reports, while three out of five gunmen are believed to be shot down, the other two have been arrested.
Security forces were attacked by the armed gang from the southern Philippines when they tried to intervene in the kidnapping attempt of a fisherman in Sabah. The victim was later freed, reported Malay Mail.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said a shootout did happen at around 9.30pm on Thursday but refused to give other details, saying the investigation is still going on. "I will be giving full details later, we are still getting the full feedback," he said, according to The Straits Times.
A press conference has been called by the senior police officer at Semporna police headquarters at 10.30am on Friday to inform what happened.
After an initial investigation, it is believed that the kidnappers belonged to a notorious group based out of Tawi Tawi which is known for demanding for heavy ransom before releasing the victims. Moreover, the group is already involved in six to nine kidnapping cases in the east coast of Sabah this year, reported the news website.
