KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA February 22, 2026 – Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan bin Mydin Pitchay has disclosed details of a highly secretive special operation that successfully rescued Pang Choon Pong, a fisherman from Semporna, Sabah, who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants for nearly one and a half years.
In a statement released on 22 February 2026, Tan Sri Ayob — who previously headed the Special Task Force Department (Operations/Counter Terrorism) or OPS/CT @E8 — recounted the kidnapping incident that occurred on 5 October 2011.
“On 5 October 2011, the life of Pang Choon Pong, a fisherman from Semporna, Sabah, changed forever when he was abducted by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants while he was at Pondohan Lok Angki, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines,” he said.
Pang was then taken across dangerous waters to the Sulu region in the Jolo Archipelago — an area notorious for armed militant activities and cross-border kidnappings. Throughout his captivity, he was moved from one location to another under strict ASG surveillance to avoid detection by authorities.
The family’s hopes back home relied only on very limited information until early September 2012, when intelligence confirmed that Pang was still alive and being held at an ASG camp in Bukit Kepang, Indanan Municipality. At the camp, Pang was not the only hostage; he was detained together with several other foreign nationals and guarded by approximately 30 fully armed militants.
The effort to bring Pang home was carried out secretly from December 2012 to March 2013 by the OPS/CT @E8 team through their network of sources, which conducted more than 20 rounds of confidential negotiations with the kidnappers.
“Negotiations were conducted with great patience and strategy. The operations officers involved in this special mission were Reno, Jaybon and Ariel,” explained Tan Sri Ayob.
Finally, on 5 March 2013 — after nearly 17 months in captivity — Pang Choon Pong was successfully freed, ending a dark episode that tested not only his own resilience, but also his family’s patience and the determination of the team working behind the scenes.
Although at the initial stage these operations were considered almost impossible to execute due to high security risks, covert operations in a foreign country and tight control over the waters, the success of this mission proves that no operation is too difficult when carried out by dedicated, proactive and courageous officers who are willing to shoulder their responsibilities.
Tan Sri Ayob stressed that the success of this silent operation reflects perseverance, human empathy and teamwork that can overcome seemingly impossible situations.
“The dedication and bravery of the officers from the Special Task Force Department (Operations/Counter Terrorism) @E8 truly reflect the spirit of service to duty. The trust to protect the lives of the people is carried out without seeking recognition, but based on responsibility, sincerity and sacrifice for the interests of the nation and society,” he said.
Pang Choon Pong was later brought home and reunited with his family in Sabah.
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