The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) confirmed that three more Malaysian nationals, who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in waters off Lahad Datu last year, were saved by Filipino security forces.

Esscom commander DCP Wan Abd Bari Wan Abd Khalid said the kidnap victims, Fandy Bakran, 27, Mohd Jumadil Rahim, 24, and Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 33, were rescued in an operation in the waters off Sulu last night.

"That's all I can say for now, that they have been rescued," Wan Abd Bari told Bernama.

The three men were among five crew of the tugboat, Serudong Tiga, who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the Dent Haven waters off Lahad Datu on July 18. 

The other two - Tayudin Anjut, 46, and  Abd Rahim Summas, 63, - were rescued by the Filipino security forces last Thursday.

Tayudin and Abd Rahim arrived at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang last night and have been reunited with their families.

This morning, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak met with Tayudin and Abdul Rahim at his official residence at Jalan Taman Duta in Kuala Lumpur.

During the meeting, the two men, who were on wheelchairs, and visually impaired, related the incident and the bad treatment by their kidnappers.

They were overwhelmed by emotions when expressing their gratitude in being able to be back with their families. 

The prime minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor, was also present.

- Bernama