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Philippines jails Abu Sayyaf kidnappers for life over Malaysia resort abductions

The hostages, including nationals of the Philippines, Malaysia, France, Lebanon and South Africa, endured months of captivity in 2000

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Malaysian hostages are seen being guarded by armed militants at a shack on Jolo Island, southern Philippines, in May 2000. Photo: Reuters
Seventeen members of an Islamic State-linked militant group have been sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping foreign and Filipino nationals in Malaysia nearly 25 years ago, the Philippine Justice Department said Monday.
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In April 2000, members of Islamist extremist group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped at gunpoint 21 people from a holiday resort on the Malaysian island of Sipadan.

The hostages endured months of captivity in the jungles of Jolo, about 955km (515 miles) south of Manila, until they were ransomed for millions of dollars.

They included nationals of the Philippines, Finland, France, Germany, Lebanon, Malaysia and South Africa.
Two ex-hostage from France arrive in Paris in August 2000 after their release by Abu Sayyaf militants. Photo: AFP
Two ex-hostage from France arrive in Paris in August 2000 after their release by Abu Sayyaf militants. Photo: AFP

“This conviction is a reflection of the unwavering efforts of the DOJ in upholding the rule of law without fear or falter,” the Philippine Department of Justice said in a statement.

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