BANGI: Police have sent a special team to the Philippines to discuss the release of the four Malaysians kidnapped by gunmen near Pulau Ligitan off the coast of Sabah.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pic) said the team had just returned from Manila on Sunday after coordinating with the Philippine military and police.

"I hear the cries of frustration of the victims' families that we are not doing anything but I assure you we are doing all we can to secure their freedom," he said during a lecture at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi Monday.

The four crewmen, identified as Wong Teck Pang, 31, Wong Hung Song, 34, Wong Teck Chi, 29, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21, were abducted at gunpoint onboard Malaysian tugboat MV Masfive 6 on April 1.

Khalid declined to comment further on the situation saying that it was a delicate matter and the safety of the hostages may be compromised.

"All efforts are being carried out. Let us do our job to free them," he said, adding that security on the east coast of Sabah was under control.

"This was a type of hit-and-run as the Malaysian vessel was close to international waters and the kidnappers took the opportunity," he said.