LAHAD DATU: Even as the “Ops Daulat” mop-up operations entered into its “stablising” stage and East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) prepares itself for the 13th general election due anytime now, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) claimed that another 1,000 of its fighters had slipped past the marine security net into Sabah.
MNLF sources claimed the armed men from nearby Tawi-Tawi and Sulu have now joined the followers of Agbimuddin Kiram, who they claim is still in Sabah. The Malaysian security forces have declared otherwise.
The sources also said that the fighters had slipped into Sabah and were ready to fight Malaysian forces.
Tawi-Tawi in the Philippines is less than 30-minute boat ride from Sabah.
Quoting from the Philippines Star, the sources said armed men had “arrived in small groups” to evade the Philippine and Malaysian naval blockade.
This is the second such report since the ESSZONE was erected along a 500km stretch from Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan to Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
The online website quoted MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla confirming reports that thousands of Tausugs had begun preparing to infiltrate Sabah, since the outbreak of hostilities between Kiram’s army and the Malaysian forces on March 1.
“… the armed men arrived in small batches,” he said.
However the report did not state if it had spoken to Fontanilla last night.
Last week, the Sulu sultanate reportedly said that at least 100 heavily armed men had rejoined Kiram’s group on the outskirts of the town.
It was learnt that the 100 men were now part of the 1,000 armed followers that joined Kiram in various parts of Sabah.
Ironically it was only on Saturday that Sabah Progressive People’s Party chief Yong Teck Lee told a ceramah in Kota Kinabalu that to Malaysia the “sea is a barrier; to Suluks it is a bridge”, alluding to the ESSZONE “fortress” to prevent the intruders.
“It looks like they [federal government] are building a fortress for Sabah to prevent intruders, but the perspective from the Philippine side is very different: what we consider the sea as the barrier, the Philippine side considers it as a bridge. They [the Sulus] consider it as homecoming when we consider it as an intrusion, ” he said, adding that the federal government was on the “wrong track” in dealing with the situation .
Semporna on high alert?
Meanwhile, BorneoInsider reported that security forces in Semporna in Simunul were on high alert during the weekend.
Simunul was where the shootout between the Sulu militants and the Malaysian securities forces took place on March 2 and 3. Six police men died in this battle.
According to the report, police on Saturday denied they were on high alert or that was anything unusual about their surveillance.
But residents in the area were “clearly alarmed”.
“I am a local, but the policemen who stopped me in my car pointed their weapons at me, for reasons best known to them,” said a Semporna resident.
The resident said passengers in the other cars were forced to get out and the cars were thoroughly checked – an unsual move, considering in recent days that the Op Daulat has entered into a safe stage.
“It was clear that the police were on high alert on the possibility of intruders slipping through,” added the resident.
Meanwhile, early yesterday morning Sabah police detained two men in their 50s under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) in Tanjung Baru, Pulau Bumbum, and Semporna and that the hunt for the remnants of Sulu intruders continues.
Sabah Police Commissioner Hamza Taib said the men were “not locals”, adding that police seized a white file containing two letters from the Sulu Sultan and dangerous weapons.
“Their arrest could link them to terrorists’ activities,” said Hamza via a text message to the Ops Daulta media unit in Feld Sahabat here.
According to the SMS, the number of suspects detained under Sosma has increased to 135 while the number of terrorists shot dead, remained at 70. -FMT
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
More Sulu fighters slipping into Sabah?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The police are still gathering evidence to charge the mastermind of the intrusion by militants in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu and Semporna, since last February, in court.
ReplyDeleteSabah police commissioner, Datuk Hamza Taib said, investigation was focused on solving the case based on statements of those detained before charging the mastermind in court.
“We are not saying this person (individual detained) is involved or the mastermind or killer in the shooting of members of the security forces on March 2 but we have statements of those who had been detained and charged. Mastermind or not, we will investigate under the existing law,” he said at a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu Police Headquarters, here, today.
ReplyDeleteAsked if the suspected mastermind was a Malaysian, Hamza was not able to confirm.
ReplyDeleteDefence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted in a local newspaper today as saying, a third party who masterminded the intrusion of terrorists loyal to Jamalul Kiram III in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu and several other locations in Sabah had been identified, but evidence was needed to bring them to the face of justice.
On the detention of 32 individuals who tried to intrude into Sabah waters in a boat, about 12 nautical miles from Tambisan, Lahad Datu early yesterday morning, he said, all the men, aged between 17 to 72, were being held at the Sandakan District Police Headquarters.
ReplyDeleteHamza said, no fights had erupted between the security forces and terrorists in all districts and there were no reports of intrusion by armed terrorists in the state.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, he said, the security forces were still looking for the bodies of three terrorists who were killed on March 1.
Sabahans advised not to believe in rumours about security situation
ReplyDeleteSabahans have been advised not to believe in rumours about the security situation in the east coast region and get confirmation from the police.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the security situation in areas such as Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau has improved and under control.
“I hope they don’t believe in rumours as 95 per cent are untrue. Don’t be influenced by them,” he told reporters after visiting Chamek polling district centre here yesterday.
He was commenting on media reports from the Philippines that hundreds of Sulu terrorists were getting ready to invade the Sabah east coast.
Sabahans advised not to believe in rumours about security situation
ReplyDeleteSecurity forces on Monday detained a boat with 32 armed intruders on board in Pulau Tambisan, off the Lahad Datu coast.
Hishammuddin said he has yet to receive report on the detention of an armed intruder yesterday adding security forces are always ready for any eventuality.
Sabahans advised not to believe in rumours about security situation
ReplyDelete“We never take security for granted,” he said adding more than 400 people were detained for investigation and 138 were detained under security laws.
Security forces also killed 68 Sulu terrorists from southern Philippines in Operation Daulat.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to visit Lahad Datu soon to check Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone)
DON'T WORRY PEOPLE ! Sacrifice made by security forces immeasurable
ReplyDeleteThe immense sacrifice made by the security forces including the armed forces is immeasurable, said former Batu Sapi MP Datin Linda Tsen.
She said all Malaysians especially Sabahans have seen how the security forces fought for the country and ensuring that the sovereignty of the country is not undermined.
DON'T WORRY PEOPLE ! Sacrifice made by security forces immeasurable
ReplyDelete“The current Ops Daulat is wielding success against terrorists who are out to wreck the peace and harmony the people in Sabah are enjoying,” she said.
She said that the rakyat must give their full support to the security forces, who when time of peace would still be guarding the frontlines.
DON'T WORRY PEOPLE ! Sacrifice made by security forces immeasurable
ReplyDeleteShe was speaking at the launching of ATM Day held at Harbour Mall here. The event dubbed Military Community Volunteering Day was held simultaneously in 40 camps involving 32 areas throughout the country.
Linda said the showcasing of the ATM’s function and role supported by their assets and programmes would allow the people to understand the ATM better.
She also commended the security forces for their continuous assurance on the safety of the people especially in the East Coast
DON'T WORRY PEOPLE ! Sacrifice made by security forces immeasurable
ReplyDelete“The government through the ESSZONE is doing everything possible to ensure that the region is safe,” she said.
Earlier, KD Sri Sandakan commanding officer Captain Alias Baharuddin (TLDM) said the programme is to establish better rapport with the community at large.
“We want youth to understand ATM and that they can opt for a job career with us,” he said.
Isu Insiden pencerobohan pengganas Lahad Datu dan Semporna bulan lalu tidak memberi impak yang besar terhadap pelaburan hartanah di daerah ini, sebaliknya perniagaan itu mendapat permintaan tinggi di kalangan pelabur luar.
ReplyDeleteMenteri Di Jabatan Ketua Menteri, Dato Sri Nasir Tun Sakaran, berkata para pelabur semakin yakin dengan keadaan keselamatan di daerah itu kembali pulih sekaligus melonjakkan pertumbuhan sosio-ekonomi yang semakin ketara khususnya dalam sektor pelaburan hartanah.
ReplyDeleteThis is totally rumors.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like this happening.
ReplyDeleteKalau tiada tiada la ba kanapa asyik mau kasi takut orang saja ni?
ReplyDeletePenyebaran maklumat palsu harus ditegah.
ReplyDeleteThis thing won't be happened.
ReplyDeleteRumors shouldn't be trusted.
ReplyDeleteHairan kenapa juga ada yang inginkan perkara ini berlaku.
ReplyDeleteSulu fighters come to Sabah? Nonsense.
ReplyDeleteTak mungkin la.
ReplyDeleteSabahans have been advised not to believe in rumours about the security situation in the east coast region and get confirmation from the police. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the security situation in areas such as Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau has improved and under contro
ReplyDeleteHe was commenting on media reports from the Philippines that hundreds of Sulu terrorists were getting ready to invade the Sabah east coast. Security forces yesterday detained a boat with 32 armed intruders on board in Pulau Tambisan, off the Lahad Datu coast.
ReplyDeleteHishammuddin said he has yet to receive report on the detention of armed intruders Monday adding security forces are always ready for any eventuality. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to visit Lahad Datu soon to check Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE).
ReplyDeleteIn KOTA KINABALU, all the 32 foreigners who were arrested in a boat about 12 nautical miles off Tambisan in Lahad Datu have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) 2012. Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Hamza Taib said three men aged between 17 and 72 from the group were found in possession of weapons, one with an M16 rifle and the other two with pistols on Monday.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Hamza said 12 bodies of the Sulu gunmen who were among the 15 killed during clashes with security forces on March 1 have been exhumed and removed from Kampung Tanduo Monday night. He said situation in Sabah and Lahad Datu in particular were under control as police continues their search for remnant gunmen in Kampung Tanjung Batu.
ReplyDeleteSulu fighters are just wasting time.
ReplyDeletePolis masih mengumpul bukti bagi membolehkan dalang insiden pencerobohan kumpulan militan di Kampung Tanduo,Lahad Datu dan Semporna sejak Februari lepas dibawa ke muka pengadilan.
ReplyDeletePesuruhjaya Polis Sabah Datuk Hamza Taib berkata siasatan menjurus kepada penyelesaian kes itu berpandu kepada keterangan mereka yang ditahan dan dituduh di mahkamah.
ReplyDelete"Kami tidak kata orang ini (individu ditahan) terlibat sebagai perancang atau pembunuh kes menembak mati pasukan keselamatan pada 2 Mac, kami ada keterangan mereka yang ditahan dan dituduh...," katanya pada sidang akhbar di Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Sabah,
ReplyDeleteBeliau bagaimanapun enggan mengesahkan apabila ditanya mengenai kemungkinan dalang yang disyaki adalah daripada kalangan rakyat Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteMenteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dipetik dalam laporan akhbar tempatan hari ini sebagai berkata pihak ketiga yang mendalangi tindakan pencerobohan pengganas Jamalul Kiram di Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu dan beberapa lokasi lain di Sabah telah dikenal pasti, namun masih memerlukan bukti untuk mengheret mereka ke muka pengadilan.
ReplyDeleteMalaysia had pleaded with the US government to intervene in the Philippines’ claim over Sabah in 1973, according to a series of recently declassified US diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks few days ago.
ReplyDeleteThe North Borneo territories were ceded by the Sulu Sultanate to the Macapagal administration in 1962, leading the Philippines to pursue its claim over Sabah in international courts. When Sabah was included in the Federation of Malaysia, diplomatic relations between the two countries were temporarily severed.
ReplyDeletemungkin ini hanyalah propaganda dari pihak tertentu, maklumlah PRU13 semakin dekat...
ReplyDeletePihak ketiga yang mendalangi tindakan pencerobohan pengganas Jamalul Kiram III di Kg Tanduo, Lahad Datu dan beberapa lokasi lain di Sabah sudah dikenalpasti namun masih memerlukan bukti untuk ‘mengheretnya’ ke muka pengadilan.
ReplyDeleteMenteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berkata disyaki ada individu tertentu yang menjadi dalang dalam insiden terbabit dan mahu menyerahkan Sabah kepada pihak Sulu atas kepentingan politik.
ReplyDeleteThe crucial lesson to be learnt from the intrusion is that we must never take peace and safety for granted even in times of peace.
ReplyDeletePeace and safety are precious gifts that must be treasured and cherished at all cost.
ReplyDeleteThe Esscom, when fully operational, can help beef up security in east Sabah to prevent a recurrence of the intrusion that claimed the lives of 10 security personnel.
ReplyDeleteBeefing up security and implementing innovative measures to ensure Sabah's safety, sovereignty and territorial integrity will help boost public and investors' confidence.
ReplyDeleteAlthough added security measures and sophisticated equipment are needed to beef up Esszone, what matters most in the final analysis is the public support and cooperation in the form of tip-offs and information that can be channelled to the authorities in the event of any future intrusion.
ReplyDeleteThe Lahad Datu incident is also a reminder to all Malaysians to reinforce their patriotic spirit.
ReplyDelete