One of three Filipino fishermen kidnapped by seven armed men in the waters off Pulau Pom-Pom, Semporna last Saturday, has contacted his employer to relay a two million peso (RM180,000) ransom demand for their release.

The employer, Karim Musappa, 30, said the victim, Masurin, in his 50s had contacted him on Monday over the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

"I received a call on Hari Raya Haji day at 7.55am...the kidnappers used the victim (Masurin) as their mediator to ask for a two million peso ransom," he told reporters in Tawau today.

Karim said he lodged a police report after receiving the phone call.

He also claimed the kidnappers had recently contacted the wife of one of the victims to demand for ransom.

"The victim's wife told me the kidnappers have given her until Sept 19 to pay the ransom."

Sabah police commissioner Abdul Rashid Harun said the state police had received a phone call regarding the kidnapping of the fishermen.

However, he declined to reveal details of the telephone conversation.

Abdul Rashid said the victims were believed to be safe and the police would continue to investigate the case.

The trio, identified as Loloi Alpin, 30, Sami, in his 30s, and Masurin were kidnapped by seven men armed with firearms, while fishing together with 13 other crew members in the waters about 10.40pm on Sept 10.

- Bernama