The Philippine military has launched intensified intelligence operation to locate three Malaysian fishermen abducted by seven gunmen aboard a speedboat and transported towards Alice Reef and Bulubulu Island in Tawi-Tawi.

The speedboat is powered by two engines of 75 horsepower each, painted green and white with red line.

Reports from the Malaysian military’s Eastern Sabah Security Command disclosed the three Malaysian fishermen were seized around 11 p.m. Saturday in the vicinity of Pom Pom Island off Sempurnah, Sabah.

The three victims-- two crew and the skipper-- were among the seven crew of a Malaysian-owned trawler fishing near Pom Pom Island. The other crewmen were unharmed.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Westmincom spokesperson, said troops have also established security points in probable routes of the suspects.

The incident took place as the military continues to attack areas where the Abu Sayyaf is believed to be hiding. The Abu Sayyaf are holding at least 15 captives, eight of whom are Indonesia and five Malaysian DMS/Robina Asido .