ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Abu Sayyaf bandits holding a Malaysian trader in Sulu province reportedly made contact with authorities and asked for a P8-million ransom, a police official said.
The Philippine government is still negotiating for the release of Mohammad Nazaruddin Bin Saidin, 38, who was abducted by the al-Qaeda-linked bandits last May 8 in his rented home in Indanan town, Sulu.
The Malaysian entered the country for his Gecko-buying business, police said.
Regional police chief Felicisimo Khu said he learned about the ransom demand through Indanan police chief Moh. Khan Kamlon, who received a call from the Malaysian Consul General's Office.
Khu said the consul general's office said the kidnappers are asking for a P5-million initial payment.
