The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) confirmed three more Malaysian nationals who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the Dent Haven waters in Lahad Datu on July 18 last year were saved by Filipino security forces.

ESSCom Commander Datuk 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 waters off Sulu last night.

"That's all I can say for now that they have been rescued," he 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 in 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 had been reunited with their families.

--BERNAMA