Three South Sulawesi fishermen have been kidnapped by the notorious Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf when they were sailing between Malaysia and the Philippines, an official said on Friday.

Selayar Police chief Adj. Comr. Eddy Tarigan said on Friday that the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau, Malaysia, had confirmed that Subandi from Bonto Bahari in Bulukumba regency and Sudarling and his uncle, Hamdan, from Bembe Island in Selayar regency were taken hostage on Thursday.

Eddy said the police had picked up relatives of the hostages on Bembe Island, a 10-hour boat trip from the regental capital, so they could attempt on Saturday to communicate with the consulate to obtain information about the hostages.