February 14th, 2013 : Armed intruders claim to be followers of Sulu Sultan * A group of armed intruders who claimed as the followers of the decedent of the Sultan Sulu have landed in Lahad Datu. * The police have warded and surrounded the area to control the incident.
Situation in Lahad Datu under control – Hishammuddin * By the police resource, there is about more than 100 of armed group that suspects as the militant have landed in Lahad Datu. * The situation is still under control and inspection by the police and armed forces as they are negotiating with the intruder’s claims. * Datuk Hishammudin also urged the publics to not worried and makes any speculation regarding to the issue. February 15th, 2013 :
Still a stand-off at Tambisan; security personnel on full alert * The intruders is said to be holling up in surau at Kampung Tanduao which mainly localized by Filipinos. * The intruders want to stay in Sabah and do not want to be deported to the Philippines. But they are still confined with tight security by Malaysian army, navy and police. * The villagers nearby in Kampung Tambisan claimed that the intruders were arrived with three boats landed in Silabukan and Sungei Merah that close to Kampung Tanduao. The villagers also said that they were unaffected by the incident and confident with tight security are able to ensure security. * A group of 30 gunmen armed with M16 rifles had entered Kampung Tanduao in Felda Sahabat 20 scheme and united at Ahmad Bomb or Mat Bomb’s home. * According to the villagers, Ahmad was arrested by police in early 1990’s that suspected by throw a fish bomb at Felda office to settle a land dispute. His son is said gone to a Bongoa in Southern Philippines to seek for help to claim back his family’s ancestral land.
The Sulu-security Stand-off: Radjah Mudah: We want to live in our place * The Kiram claimed that a group of 1000 armed men and some women boarded on Simunul Island to left for Lahad Datu. The group that led by Radja Mudah Ajbimuddin Kiram who is one of the three leaders of Kiram’s family (heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu). Radja Mudah claimed that Sabah is their home land which part of the ancestral domain of Sultanate Sulu and North Borneo. * Malaysian security forces was surrounded the group of civilians and royal security forces. The situation is described by Radja Mudah as a “standstill” and “open negotiation status”. * The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that the arrester in Sabah were not the militant but the followers of Sultanate Sulu. The Department of Foreign Affairs had no clear info on the situation in Sabah. * The military intelligence official said the followers of the Sultanate of Sulu decided to continue their family claims for Sabah. The followers was promised to be given apportion of land if join the journey that is why they are a large group went in Lahad Datu. * Radja Mudah have said that Sabah is belongs to the Sultanate Sulu and Malaysia was simply leasing Sabah at RM5, 300 or P77, 000 a year. * Abraham Julpa Idjirani told that decision was part of a royal declaration issued by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Zamboanga City a month and a half ago. He also said the sultanate had a 100,000-strong security force and 15,000-strong Royal Security Force was established in 1999. The Royal Security Force was organized by the administration of former President Jospeh Estrada and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as partners in peace and development.

February 16th, 2013 :
Intruders chief an ADO in Kudat during USNO reign

* As Radja Muda Ajbimuddin Kiram Aka Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram was an assistant district officer of Kudat during the reign of former Chief Minister Tun Datu Mustapha Harun. * Radja Mudah has been negotiation g with the emissaries of Malaysian side since Tuesday and he showed off the emissaries’ document of the ancestral claims to Sabah. * Sultan Jamalul Ikram III as one of the decendant of Sultanate Sulu planned to get involved to the negotiations. * The villagers were reported that a bigger presence of armed group increased to 300 peoples. They were in black grey military fatigue, armed with M16 rifles, M14 grenade launchers, Colt 45 pistols and bullet straps. * The group was included five women and a number of civilians. They were comprises Tausug and Bajau from Basilan, Jolo and Tawi Tawi aged around 20 – 60. It has been seen in the group the 4-star commander wearing the name tag identifying himself as Musa or Musang. * The villagers had reported that their properties and belongings were not taken away by the intruders. Sabah Police Chief, Datuk Hamza Taib has said that he expected wll to be over soon after the negotiation with the emissaries on next 9th March.
Manila urges gunmen in Lahad Datu to return home * Philippines gov is forced the gunmen group to return to their homes and families. * Johan Veronica said that the Philippines military and police authorities were monitoring and exchanging information with Malaysian counterparts for the immediate resolution to the incident. * The intruders group’s activity was not authorized by the Philippines gov.
Don: Claim of the Sulu sultanate is muddled by conflicting claims * Sabah could have big geopolitical implications. The claim of the Sultanate is muddled by conflicting claims within the Sultanate itself. * The claim is disputed and it has more than 10 claimants to the Sultanate according to the genealogies. * It was has many issues has arisen through the decade due to the sign of the framework agreement with the Secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front. * During 1967, Filipinos commandos on Sabah under “Operation Merdeka” were terminated. * As the territory defined in the framework agreement, Malaysia was most interested to the natural gas exploration in the Liguasan Marsh, but Malaysia did not know with whom to deal with cause by the conflicting claims with the Sulu Sultanate.
Sulu Sultan’s army stakes Sabah claim * The military official said that the stand-off by the decedent of Sulu Sultanate is to attract the attention of the Philippines government and the international community. * MNLF was having a peace agreement with government but the chairmain of MNLF, Nur Misuari have not given up on his claim of Sabah. * The Royal Sulu Sultanate Army has been behaving well until they went to Lahad Datu. * In 1878, Philippines have a standing claim on Sabah, which is part of the Sultanate of Sulu leased to the British North Borneo Co. But in 1963, Britain transferred control Sabah to Malaysia. * The introversion of the heirs of Sulu Sultanate follower in Lahad Datu, Sabah as to claim their heirs’ ancestral land. * The president of the Christian Democratic Party, Rodriguez said that the Royal army of Sulu Sultanate should resolve themselves to talk peacefully with Malaysia. * Biason said if the armed group does illegal activities and criminal, government will take action to against them.
Police to deport intruders; contingency plans in place * The intruders will be deported to Philippines once the negotiation finds the resolution within this week – State Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib. * The public are advised to ignore all the rumors that have been viral in the internet media. The security condition in the area was under control. * The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar said that the group so-called as the Royal Army of the Sultanate of Sulu, did not want their people who are Sulu origin to sent back to their homeland.
Tanduo villagers fled as more armed men appeared * On 9th February, Saturday, there were first group of intruders about 18 armed men landed in Kampung Tanduao. Then after next few days, there were more intruders came to landed in the area. * It is about 15 families of about 80 peoples fled from the village because of frightened and scared if bloodshed would happen. The Malaysian forces was surrounded the area to control the incident. * The armed intruders were even friendly with the villagers and there were no losing any villagers’ properties. * Meanwhile in Lahad Datu, there was in normal condition and does not affected by the incident and believe that the security tight was under control. * Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that Malaysia will do the best way to resolve the intruders to prevent any bloodshed.
Tight security at Sahabat 17; food being allowed through * The food supplies and water to the intruders group in Kampung Tanduao as stand-off with Malaysian security forces. * General Operations Forces (GOF) was blocking the all routes in Felda Sahabat 17 that leading to Kampung Tanduao. GOF not allowed anyone including the media to the area for safety reasons. * Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Marince police and navy have cut off the sea entry from Southern Philippines. * Police and navy units were kept watching to the fishing boats landing at shores of Tanjung Labian. * Police were also screening immigrants and locals with soldiers standby at various points in Lahad Datu town.
Elite US forces backing the RAS militants? * According to Borneo Insider investigative team, the invasions by the Royal Army of Sulu Sultanate (RAS) was apparently planned at least seven years ago. * One of the RAS officials Facebook, Habiba Kiram was claimed that U.S elite forces for backing their cause to claimed their territory land. * Habiba Karim also alleged that they were waiting U.S to give them signal that some 10,000 armed men was already inside Sabah since seven months ago. * Source from Malaysian intelligence military was told that the invasion by the RAS is to create sufficient international attention. RAS is planning to bring the matter to the International Court of Justice to file for an official claim of part of their territories in Sabah.
Negotiations over; intruders to be deported soon * The police has ended the negotiation with the group and was now focusing on deporting them back. They were in process to carry out them back as soon as possible. * The group made their demand with inappropriate way that makes Malaysia cannot entertain their demand. * Through the intelligence resources information that they were not the militants or terrorists but only the followers of the Sulu Sultanate.

February 18th, 2013 :
Philippine sultan says followers won’t leave Sabah * Sultan Jamalul Kiram has said that their followers are strictly would not leave Sabah. He said that they should not leave their home (Sabah) as Malaysia just paid them to rent Sabah. * Heirs of Sulu Sultanate received a nominal yearly compensation package from Malaysia under a long-standing agreement for possession of Sabah. * The group was sent to Sabah only after the Sultanate left out the framework agreement between Manila and Filipino Muslim. * The objective to come Sabah is they want to stay permanently as they claimed Sabah was one of their territory based on the ancestral land of Sulu Sultanate. * Abraham Idjirani said that there are 400 followers were already in Sabah with 20 armed men but refused to do violence unless if any provoked. * President Benigno Aquino’s senior adviser will deliver a letter to Malaysian government of behalf of the negotiation.
February 19th, 2013 :
Sultan: Hold your ground * Kiram III declared his followers will strictly stay in Sabah as to claim their ancestral homeland. * The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has repeated contact the Kiram’s group to return home as soon as possible. * DFA was trying their effort to settle the incident peacefully so that there will no bloodshed or become worst.
Dept of Foreign Affairs tells Kiram group to leave * The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the standoff in Lahad Datu area would affects the relationship that tied between Malaysia and Philippines, so they want this incident to be settled in a peacefully manner. * It is be confirmed the identity and objective that Sulu Sultanate sent their followers to Sabah few days ago.
Honasan suggests talks between Manila and Kuala Lumpur * Senator Gregorio Honasan suggested both Manila and Kuala Lumpur should talk to resolve the incidents as to prevent the international incidents. * Honasan also told to the Sultan Jamalul Kiram III to advise his brother, Radjah Mudah and the follower to return back home. As was reported earlier that Radjah Mudah only follows order from his brother. * Kiram have said that his followers were sent not for war but only as an exercise of their historic, ancestral and sovereign right over Sabah.
Sulu group members old, malnourished, Hisham tweets * Datuk Hishammudin tweeted that most of the followers in Kampung Tanduao are old and lack of nutrients diet, some wears sarong and slippers. * Moreover Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that Malaysia will only to continue negotiation peacefully to avoid bloodshed.
Extend ‘Ops Pasir’ surveillance, urges Silam MP

* Forces are extending the “Ops Pasir” surveillance in the waters of the east coast of Sabah including the area of Sandakan and Tawau. * Dr Salleh Kalbi as the Silam constituency will be included in surveillance and the military camp will be upgraded to create an air base.
Palace mum as Maceda says it’s time for government to actively pursue claim * Former Senate President Ernesto Maceda urges Philippines government to resume active pursuit of the claims. * The former ambassador to the U.S who once chained the Senate foreign relations committee. * Sulu Sultanate has a legitimate claim to Sabah considering that British and Malaysia government used to pay rental for Sabah. * Maceda also said the only one solution to resolve the incident is by renewed government efforts to the Sulu Sultanate. * Malacang Palace kept a discreet distance from the issue. ‘Give priority to peaceful resolution of Sabah standoff,’ – Pimentel * Pimentel said that Philippines government should put a main concern to give a hand to resolve the standoff in Sabah. * Sabah was let go to Malaysia by Britain as its former colony. The Sultanate received yearly paid for rental of Sabah. * Agbimuddin’s so-called journey is disturbing to many parties both Malaysian government and Philippines government since they had claimed their territory in unprofessional manner. * The former Philippines, Maceda said that Philippines government should consider bringing claim Sabah to the UN. * This incident was symptomatic of long-term annoyance that the government had ignored Malaysia’s role as the facilitator in peace talk with MILF.
Full weight of law must fall on Lahad Datu intruders * It is clearly shows that the intruders who as the Sulu Sultanate followers were landed to Lahad Datu were entering unlawful. * As they want to get back their territory, they would not to going anywhere even have threatened to be deported. * Mat Zain reported that there is security lapse in Sabah water because the intruders entered the area without being detected by security. * He also thought that this inversion incident would be settled such how the Sauk’s incident resolved during July 2000. * It would be an intention to exploit the Lahad Datu incident to spin Najib’s profile politically before the general election.
Malaysian standoff result of peace deal – Kiram * Jamalul Kiram III said the peace deal had handed control of much of Sulu to Moro Islamaic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels ignored the Sultanate. * The Sultanate gone to Malaysia as protest action in response to what they saw as the unfair peace deal. * Jamalul said that the government and MILF will sign an agreement on October 11 and decided to take action to reclaim their territory. * During the British colonial times. Malaysia paid to Sultanate for yearly ‘rental’ Sabah. * The followers demanding recognition from Malaysia as the rightful owners of Sabah and renegotiate of the original items of the lease with British trading company. * A letter will be sent to Malaysia government to start negotiation to end the stand-off.
Hisham: Malaysia wants to end stand-off with Sulu gunmen without bloodshed * Malaysia authorities still keeping their options to resolve the incident that happened in Lahad Datu, Sabah. * Datuk Hishammuddin said that Malaysia was done the right thing and did the best way as soon as they resolve the incident without any bad things happened. * Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram is demanding to meet certain ‘personalities’ to negotiate with. * Even the leader of the group claimed that his followers were unarmed, but it showed that some of them were armed with M16, M14 and Baby Armalite assault weapons and M203 grenade launchers.
Beware ‘copy-cat’ intrusions in future, warns Teck Lee * Datuk Yong Teck Lee warned if the conflict will not be resolved effectively it will result to more intrusions in the future. * The ineffective resolution would bring the bad reputation and credibility of Malaysia authorities to all international countries. * The lack of decisive will also exposed the absence of political to defend Sabah and Malaysia’s sovereignty. * All the government authorities, armed forces, police and security agencies will lose moral and political authority. * Malaysia government need to prepare for future unexpected intrusion and government has spent money to do training, equipment, logistics and manpower as to prepare any intrusion to defense our country.
STAR accuses BN of stage-managing Tanduo intrusion * STAR Sabah accused BN for using Lahad Datu stand off to scare peoples into voting for coming general elections. * Datuk Jeffry Kitingan (the Chairman) said this ‘conspiracy’ is BN might handle the armed intrusion by the armed group from Sulu. Moreover, government as well had not much effort in explaining the real situation. * The government has controlled mass and mainstream media regarding to the incident. This result the private news and internet portals do viral and the publics would believe those speculation. * This police should treat this incident as violation of Malaysia sovereignty because some of the intruders are armed with military units. * He also accused that the ‘conspiracy’ have planned from the earlier as Malaysian government is like taking so long to resolve the situation without taking any legal action towards the intruders.

February 20th, 2013 :
Malaysia tightens food supply of Pinoys at Tanduo? * Abraham Idjirani reported that Malaysian security authorities have tightened the security in Lahad Datu stand-off and prevented food supply to the followers of Sulu Sultanate. * This blocking food supply to the Royal of Sultanate Sulu is said as human right violation. * The Secretary General to Sultan Jamalul Kiram said that they came to Lahad Datu peacefully as it is their home land.
MNLF exec denies ‘plot’ to sabotage peace talks * MILF denied the group provoked the Sultanate’s claim over Sabah. * MILF also denied the sabotage to peace talks between the government and MILF by provoking Kiram to claim Sabah. * Malaysia government paid the yearly ‘rental’ to Sulu Sultanate and the claim over Sabah is truth based on the historical fact. * MILF supports the peaceful resolution of the stand-off between the members of the Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysian authorities.
Police chief confirms arrest of seven at Labian * There are about 7 persons arrested by police at Tanjung Labian who included three journalist of Al-Jazeera, three Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and a boatmen. * Those persons were spotted in a boat by a General Operation Forces (GOF) at the morning. * Sabah police chief have warned to all local or foreign journalist and other parties to not enter the stand-off area to avoid any unexpected happen. February 21st, 2013 :
Kirams given till Friday to recall their forces from Tanduo * Malaysian government gives the followers of Sulu Sultanate the deadline to leave or to be deported. * The Philippines is claiming Sabah as on behalf of the heirs of Sulu Sultanate. * Magsaysay suggested the government to stop the Kiram pressure to Malaysia as the stand-off need to stop and called the Kiram to return back. The issues need to be negotiated peacefully. * He also said that this issue needs to be discussed diplomatically without affecting the good relationship between Malaysia and Philippines. * However, Montaño wants government to help the followers of Sultanate to stay in Sabah until the question of ownership Sabah to United State (UN). * Former Ambassador Roy Señeres said that he is support a proposal to terminated the leasing agreement between the heirs of Sulu Sultanate and Sabah.
Light at the end of the tunnel for two-week old stand-off * A peaceful resolution almost been reached after two weeks stand-off in Kampung Tanduo. * The Sulu armed group has reached an understanding that they would return back soon. * The armed group should be considered as the criminal for their actions. * The farmers and fishers are complaining that they cannot do their normal routine working as usually as to get income. * The group of intruders has seen at around the old mosque in Kampung Tanduo and suffering the short of water and foods supply from farms that abandoned by the villagers who fled.
Philippine leader criticises gunmen in Malaysia * The President of Philippines, Benigno Aquino said that the heirs did bizarre efforts to stake a territorial claim which this action would lead a conflict. * The government as well put effort to warned the heirs including their families, the followers and other parties to stop their * In 1870’s, the sultanate leases Northern Borneo to Europe until the sultanate’s authority is gradually fade by Western colonial powers, and Malaysia still pay a nominal yearly compensation to the heirs under a long-standing agreement. * Jamalul Kiram sent his followers to Lahad Datu to live in there and they are refused to be deported.

February 22nd, 2013:
JK III’s intruders not budging despite Friday deadline * The Kiram’s followers strictly will not leave Sabah until the deadline on Friday that given by Malaysia. * The wife, Princess Fatima said that they want to the issue be resolved before the International Court of Justice and do open negotiation with Malaysia. * Malacañang Palace said that they were disappointed with this issue exploited by Kiram’s family which can affect the good relationship with Malaysia. * Malacañang as well want to stop the claim of Kiram’s family since their decision doesn’t contribute to a peaceful and successful resolution of the situation. February 23rd, 2013:
KL asked to extend Sulu men’s deadline * Philippines asked Malaysia through Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman to give the Sultanate’s followers to extend four more days to leave Sabah peacefully. * Roxas was really disappointed with the issue that created by Kiram’s followers and relatives. He said that they crossed Sabah and created a crisis because they felt out of the peace process with the MILF. * Datu Harun Narrazid said Sabah never belonged to Malaysia. All the relatives will stand united to work together as to create attention for their claim of Sabah.

February 24th, 2013:
Sultan of Sulu now seeks UNHCR protection * Sultan Jamalul Kiram III asked the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) to help his followers to starve for foods and waters in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah. * Kiram claimed that his followers were threatened by food and water blockages by Malaysia authorities. * The Sultanate of Sulu as well seeks for help to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei regarding to the issue. * Philippines asked Malaysia to extend four more days to resolve the incident before the intruders leaves Sabah. * Malaysia then announced that deadline has been extended but only until Sunday. * Malacañang believes Jamalul’s action is aimed at sabotaging the peace talks between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). February 25th, 2013:
Lack of food supplies cause discontent in Tanduo * The Sultanate’s followers in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu are suffering from foods and water shortage because Malaysia already blockade of foods to the area. * The group of followers was living off tapioca and vegetables from farms that leaves by the villagers who fled since they came to the village. * Malaysia give extend the Friday deadline to Sunday. Malaysia forces will resolve the situation without bloodshed but if force to be used, it would be at the minimal level. * Manila as well tries to conceive the family of Kiram to persuade their relative and followers to leave Sabah.
“Humanitarian mission” ship deployed to Tanduo * The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has deployed a ship on a “humanitarian mission” to fetch and ferry back the women and other civilians from Tanduo, Lahad Datu. * There would be the Filipino-Muslim leaders, social workers and medical personnel on the board of ship. * Manila urged the group to return home and to end the standoff with Malaysian authorities. Their priority is the safety and security of the women and other civilians in the group. * At first negotiation last week, Abjimuddin agreed to leave Sabah but now he changed to make demand to allow his family to fly in Sabah to involve the negotiation. * The deadline that extends to Sunday is lapsed, but the Philippines government request to extend to Tuesday in order to persuade the Kiram’s family to return home. * There are about a dozen of sultans who claimed to be the heirs of Sulu Sultanate and North Borneo.
“This is do or die” * Raja Muda said that they have right on Sabah and will stay in Sabah is belongs to them. * The Department of Foreign Affairs sent a ship for humanitarian mission to Lahad Datu which actually to get back all the intruders and sent to their homeland. * Raja Muda have said that he and the Sultanate’s heirs already make their final decision that they won’t leave Sabah. Humanitarian ship waiting for go-signal to dock in LD * Philippines government still waiting from Malaysia to give signal for shipping a humanitarian ship to Lahad Datu. * As Philippines understood that the area have surrounded by Malaysian forces, they want the group leaves the area for safety. * The humanitarian ship will include food supplies, nurses and some civilians. * Philippines also requested to extend until Tuesday in order to get back the group to leaves Lahad Datu. CP Hamza denies Manila report shots fired in Tanduo * Manila reported that shots been fired on Sunday afternoon from Tanduo, Lahad Datu. * Sabah Police Commisioner Datuk Hamza Taib refused the report and claimed it as not true. * Philippines government requested to extend four more days since on Friday deadline was lapsed. * Malaysia instead give to extend until Sunday, but Philippines requested again to extend the deadline to Tuesday as they will sent a ship to Lahad Datu to fetch back all the intruders. Thumbs up to ‘enter’ village has been given * Malaysian forces have been given a green light to enter Tanduo and disarm the group of intruders. * All Malaysian forces including police, navy, army, GOF and maritime were ready to go in Tanduo. * Police arrested five men for investigation regarding to the incident. * At Sunday evening, a helicopter was dropping flyers to Tanduo area that the intruders have stay. The flyers are to urge the intruders to leave away from Tanduo. * Radja Mudah said he has been informed about the helicopter and the flyers that written in Tausug at around 10 p.m. * Radja Mudah also said that he and his followers won’t go anywhere from Tanduo. * The Sultanate of Sulu has long held a historic claim to the province of Sabah in Malaysia * The leasing disagreement lies in a contract made in 1878, between the Sultanate of Sulu and the British North Borneo Company. * North Borneo then united under Malaysia authority after British colonial, then Malaysia still continue to pay a nominal compensation to the heirs of Sulu Sultanate. * The current President, Aquino has not pursued Sulu’s claims because he has been prioritizing talks with a Muslim rebel group in the region, MILF. * The fact that Malaysia volunteered to be a facilitator must have an impact on why the Aquino government has decided to keep the claim dormant. * Professor Benito Lim, a historian from Ateneo de Manila University, said that if the Kiram’s family and the followers won’t to resolve with Malaysia peacefully, it would cause a worst issue in the near future.
How do you solve a problem like Sabah? * The Sultanate of Sulu has long held a historic claim to the province of Sabah in Malaysia * The leasing disagreement lies in a contract made in 1878, between the Sultanate of Sulu and the British North Borneo Company. * North Borneo then united under Malaysia authority after British colonial, then Malaysia still continue to pay a nominal compensation to the heirs of Sulu Sultanate. * The current President, Aquino has not pursued Sulu’s claims because he has been prioritizing talks with a Muslim rebel group in the region, MILF. * The fact that Malaysia volunteered to be a facilitator must have an impact on why the Aquino government has decided to keep the claim dormant. * Professor Benito Lim, a historian from Ateneo de Manila University, said that if the Kiram’s family and the followers won’t to resolve with Malaysia peacefully, it would cause a worst issue in the near future.

February 28th, 2013:
Fighting is ongoing in Lahad Datu according to Princess Fatima Celia Kiram and there are already some casualties. Tanks rolled into the vicinity.

* Malaysian security forces on Friday morning started firing at a group of Filipinos holed up in a village in Sabah, the brother of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III said.
In his first interview with radio dzBB on Friday at around 10:00 a.m., Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, the leader of the group in Sabah, said they were being shot at and had to "defend" themselves. * "They suddenly came in, we had to defend ourselves," Raja said. * Asked what time the Malaysian forces moved in, Raja said, "at this time." * Sounds of shots were heard in the background while the interview was being conducted. The first interview was cut, however. * In a second interview with radio dzBB on Friday, Raja said he had received reports some of his men were wounded but said there will be no retreat or call for a ceasefire. * "There have been casualties," he said in an interview on dzBB radio when asked if some of his men had been wounded, several moments after a first interview was cut off. * When asked if there were members of the Malaysian police who were wounded, he said, "I don't know." * Shots were still heard in the background in the second interview. * When asked what his immediate plans were, he said, "we'll still fight." He said he himself was trading shots with the Malaysian forces. * "The fight will continue," he added. * When asked if he would call a ceasefire, he said, "Who'll call a ceasefire? They should be the ones to do so."

March 1st, 2013:
Philippine Muslims End Malaysia Standoff After Shootout

* A Philippine Muslim group claiming sovereignty over part of Malaysia ended its occupation of the Borneo coastal town it invaded two weeks ago following a shootout that killed at least 14 people. * Ten loyalists to Jamalul Kiram, who claims to be sultan of Sulu, surrendered in Malaysia’s Lahad Datu today while others fled by sea, Philippine foreign affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said. Two Malaysian commandos and 12 insurgents were killed, according to Sabah police chief Hamza Taib. * Jamalul Kiram III (R), the 74-year-old who claims to be sultan of Sulu, listens to a question at a press conference in Manila on Feb. 26, 2013. Photographer: Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images * “The standoff is over,” Hernandez said in a televised briefing from Manila. “For those wounded as well as the others who might be arrested, we would like to have full access to them so we can extend consular assistance.” * The incident revived a decades-old sovereignty dispute over Malaysia’s Sabah state months after Prime Minister Najib Razak helped Philippines President Benigno Aquino reach a peace deal with a Muslim separatist group. The Sulu sultanate says it leased Sabah to the British North Borneo Company in 1878, an agreement Malaysia views as a cessation of territory. * About 180 people, including 30 with weapons, arrived in Lahad Datu in the middle of last month to assert the Sulu sultanate’s claims to Sabah. Malaysia acted with restraint as Aquino urged the group to return to the Philippines, Najib said. * “The longer they stay, they will be exposed to danger in terms of what can happen to them,” Bernama news quoted Najib as saying. “I guarantee we will not allow this matter to continue without security forces taking action.”
Fatal Firefight * There are still about 100 Sulu people in the area, Sabah police chief Taib said today by phone. “No one has been arrested or escaped from the place and we have imposed curfew since late afternoon,” he said. * Aquino had warned Jamalul Kiram on Feb. 26 that he will face charges if he fails to order his followers to return home. The Philippines plans to pursue its territorial claim to Sabah at a later time under international law, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters in Manila today. * Kiram plans to report the shootout with Malaysian authorities to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, his spokesman Abraham Idjirani said in a television interview with ABS-CBN News today. * Jamalul’s title of sultan is disputed by other members of the Kiram family, who claim it for themselves, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Province of Sulu’s website lists Ismael Kiram as sultan. * Sabah fell under British control after World War II and joined Malaysia in 1963. It had a poverty rate of 19.7 percent in 2009, the highest among Malaysia’s 13 states, according to government statistics.

March 5th, 2013:
Malaysia launches attack on Filipino intruders in Borneo. * Malaysian fighter jets and soldiers on Tuesday waged an offensive against a group of armed invaders from the Philippines, who have staked a claim to a remote part of the island of Borneo, authorities said. Previous efforts by Malaysian police to turn the men back had ended in deadly clashes. * The group of Filipino men, believed to number between 100 and 300, arrived three weeks ago on the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah, on Borneo, demanding to be recognized as representatives of a sultanate that used to rule the area. * Malaysian authorities initially tried to persuade the men to return peacefully to their homes in the nearby southern Philippines. But the intruders refused to budge, and the standoff turned violent in recent days as clashes in the region reportedly left nine Malaysian police officers and 19 intruders dead. * "Our security forces were attacked and killed. Malaysians, particularly those in Sabah, are worried about their safety," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement carried by the national news agency Bernama announcing the offensive Tuesday.

March 6th, 2013:
Sulu soldiers survived the attack * “They are alive and kicking,” so claimed the spokesman of the Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III after Malaysia launched air strikes and mortar attacks on Tuesday against nearly 200 Filipinos occupying a Borneo coastal village. * Jets pounded the area in eastern Sabah state for more than 30 minutes before hundreds of ground troops moved in to search for the Filipino armed men believed to be hiding near a coastal palm oil plantation in Lahad Datu, according to Malaysian officials, the Philippine Inquirer reported. * Abraham Idjirani, a spokesman for the Filipinos, said he spoke by phone with Kiram’s brother, Agbimuddin Kiram, who saw jets dropping two bombs on a nearby village that the group had abandoned. * “They could hear the sounds of bombs and the exchange of fire,” Idjirani said. “The truth is they are nervous. Who will not be nervous when you are against all odds?” * He said the sultan’s followers would “find a way to sneak to safety.” * “If this is the last stand that we can take to let the world know about our cause, then let it be,” Idjirani said, describing the assault as “overkill.” * Idjirani said that Agbimuddin and his men were “alive and kicking” in Lahad Datu. “The bombs dropped fell on Malaysian forces,” Idjirani said, the Philippine Inquirer reported. * Earlier Malaysia’s national police chief Ismail Omar had also raised doubts about the success of the air and ground attack, saying “mopping up” operations had yet to find any bodies and suggesting at least some of the militants might have slipped away. The three-week-old standoff has killed eight Malaysian police officers and 19 Filipino armed men. * Omar said Malaysian ground forces encountered resistance from armed men firing at them, according to the Associated Press. * Relatives in Manila said that the Filipinos in Sabah told them by phone that they survived the bombardment. * Prime Minister Najib Razak said the government had no choice but to quell Malaysia’s worst security crisis in years, sparked when Filipino militants invaded to claim the Malaysian state of Sabah for the Philippine sultan.
“The longer this invasion lasts, it is clear to the authorities that the invaders do not intend to leave Sabah,” Najib said, adding that negotiations had gone nowhere. “The government must take action to safeguard the dignity and sovereignty of the country as required by the people.”

Lahad Datu attack: Malaysian security forces kill 13 Sulu gunmen.

Malaysia's Defence Minister Hamidi shows a photo of dead members of the armed Sulu group in a shallow grave during a news conference in Felda Sahabat

* Malaysian security forces said they had killed 13 suspected Philippine militants as they expanded their hunt for an elusive armed group on Borneo island on Wednesday, a day after an assault with fighter jets, mortars and hundreds of troops. * The nearly month-long confrontation in Sabah state, in Malaysia’s part of Borneo, was sparked when the armed group of about 200 sailed from the nearby southern Philippines to press an ancient claim to the resource-rich region. * At least 40 people have been killed, including eight Malaysian policemen, raising concerns of broader insecurity ahead of elections in Malaysia. * “The total is 13. There could be more,” Malaysian Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi told reporters at a media centre set up at a palm oil plantation called Felda Sahabat. * Zahid, who produced what he described as pictures of some of the dead militants, said Malaysian forces had suffered no fresh casualties since the assault was launched on Tuesday. * Malaysian police warned residents to be on alert for members of the group who had likely escaped into plantations that dominate the coastal area and who could be posing as farmers. * “The mopping and searching will cover a wider area given there are signs the intruders moved to another location,” police inspector-general Ismail Omar told reporters. * “The security forces are tracking down their movements and will take the appropriate action.”
FIGHTERS WILL NOT RETURN HOME: SPOKESMAN * Allies of the group in Manila said they had been in telephone contact with Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, the militants’ leader and the brother of the self-proclaimed sultan, who said the group had split up to avoid detection. * Abraham Idjirani, a spokesman for the group, told Reuters that 10 of the sultan’s followers had died, with 10 captured and four wounded. * “They will not come home and would rather die fighting if cornered,” he said of the remaining followers in Sabah. * The family in Manila also said more followers had arrived to reinforce the group, a journey between the Southeast Asian neighbours that takes around an hour by speedboat. * Army trucks carrying dozens of soldiers continued to enter the village of Kampung Tanduo where the group had originally been holed up. A helicopter hovered overhead. * Fighter jets bombed the group’s camp in the Felda Sahabat plantation early on Tuesday after Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said his patience had run out. Philippine officials had urged the group to return home. * The group says it represents the now defunct sultanate of Sulu in the southern Philippines and demands recognition and payment from Malaysia for their claim as rightful owners of Sabah. * The security headache could prompt Najib to delay an election that must be held by June, adding to nervousness among investors over what could be the country’s closest ever polls. * The insecurity has disrupted operations in Sabah’s huge palm oil industry. Prolonged trouble could dampen growing investor interest in energy and infrastructure projects in the state, although the main oil fields are far from the standoff.

March 11th, 2013:
Teenage Boy Killed by Malaysian Security Forces * Leader of Sulu terrorist group, Agbimuddin Kiram was believed to have given security forces a slip when they raided a settlement in Kampung Pinggir Bakau. * However, security forces have nabbed 33 suspects, including four belived to be involved in the shootout in Simunul on March 2nd, which claimed the lives of six policemen and six terrorists. * Two policemen were also injured after they were fired upon by Sulu terrorists during an operation in Kampung Tanduo and Kamping Tanjung Batu yesterday. * A teenage boy was killed in Kampung Sungai Ikan Bilik in Lahad Datu today, during the Ops Daulat to eliminate remaining Sulu gunmen. * Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar said security personnel had stopped and questioned about five people around 9.45am, when they say some movements in the bushes. Reacting swiftly in fear that they were under attack by Sulu gunmen, the security team opened fire at the bushes. * The boy was said to be between ages 12 to 15, was later found dead behind the bushes. A man in his 30′s was injured in the leg. * Ismail advises people to stay away from the areas where police and the army were conducting the operation. It is now the sixth day of the Ops Daulat. * Moro National Liberation Dront (MNLF) police chief officer, Gapul Hajirul warned that there are signs of a civil war in Sabah. “I am afraid there will be civil war in Sabah because thousands of Bangsamoro (Filipino Muslims) are residing in Sabah”. * Hajirul is not the only one. Princess Celia Fatima Kiram warned of a “long civil war” in Sabah. MNLF leaders have spoken out forcefully in the wake of the assaults. Islamic Council Committee of the MNLF, Habib Hashim Mudjahab said that he could no longer hold back his people from traveling to Sabah to defend their ethnic brethren from Malaysian forces. He quote: * “We are hurt and many of our people, even non-combatants are going to Sabah to sympathize with the Sultanate”. * MNLF leader, Nur Misuari warned that if Malaysia targets Filipinos based in Sabah, his group would consider it “tantamount to a declaration of war”. He also says that if Philippine President Benigno Aquino makes any attempt to arrest Sulu Sultan, Jamalul Kiram III, it would plunge the country into chaos. * Sulu sultan, Jamalul Kiram III is calling for a ceasefire to the standoff in Sabah, following calls by United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon to end violence in Sabah. * He said this is out of respect to the call of the UN secretary-general to end violence and to ‘preserve lives’. As of now, 10 Sulu gunmen are dead, 10 captured, and for wounded. * Ban is monitoring the situation in Sabah and would like to see all parties engage in talks for peaceful resolution. He has also urged all parties to “facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards”.

* Malaysian security forces have released photos of a mass grave containing the bodies of nine Sulu intrudes at Kampung Tanduo. * Defense Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the armed forces have managed to seize weapons during the ‘mop-up’ operation. * Local authorities have announced that they’ve yet to recover any bodies of Filipino militants despite the airstrikes yesterday. * However, Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar revealed that one Sulu gunman was shot dead early this morning in a brief gunfire exchange between local security forces and 200 followers of the Sulu sultanate. (Source) * The assault yesterday had resulted in the killing of 30 Sulu militants. According to self-proclaimed Sulu “princess”, Jacel Kiram, Sulu leader Agbimuddin Kiram and his band of militants have survived the aerial assault. * “Raja Muda is still safe, willing to release captives in front of Red Cross and international media to show they were safely released”, ABS-CBN News Channel said in a Twitter posting on its interview with Jacel. * The Sulu princess was also unhappy that the Sulu were labeled ‘terrorist’. * She also relayed a message to Philippine president, Presient Benigno Aquino III: “We are Filipinos. As the leader of this country, you must protect the interests of the people”. * “We know we are armed with the truth”, she said. (Source) * Azzimudie Kiram, the leader of the Sulu Army group said that he is unfazed by the plans of the Malaysian government to deploy more troops to Sabah to neutralize them. He said that the hand his troops to stay put despite the Philippine and Malaysian government’s demands for them to end the stand-off. “This is now the time. We will have to be committed to fight for our rights. I’m asking them (Filipinos) to do something to support us. They cannot frighten us because we are fighting for our rights”. * In Kampung Tanduo, the police are seen seen taking position in oil plasm near the areas precaution against escaped intruders. Oil plantation workers are seen gathering under a shed as they were asked to stop work as the police spread around the plantation. * The nearest petrol station in Felda Sahabat, has run out of petrol and the nearest station in Bandar Cenderawasih, 30km from the conflict zone is also rationing petrol to reserve it for military vehicles. * Police chief, Ismail Omar says that the police and military are still facing resistance from the intruders. The enemies have fired several shots at the Malaysian security forces. No casualties have been recorded on Malaysian side, but the casualties on the enemy’s side are unknown. * “The public do not need to be worried as this operation is conducted in Kampung Tanduo only. The public is advised not to enter the operation area and follow the instruction and advice from police who are on duty along the road to Kampung Tanduo.” * Source: MalaysiaKini

* Explosions were supposedly heard near Kampung Tandou at 7.30am this morning, causing hundred villagers to flee. According to sources, three fighter jets were bombed in Kampung Tanduo before troops went around 9am today. * A witness said that the villagers say jet fighters in the sky, bombing the place about four times. Villagers from Kampung Sungai Merah have been seen squeezing into lorries, with close to 50 of them on each vehicle to seek refuge in Kampung Embara Budi, but were turned away. Village chief, Rauf Bani, said the guards wouldn’t let them in, so they’re parked on the main road leading away from Kampung Tandou.

* Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak announced the security forces have launched an operation to apprehend the armed intruders. He said:“As a peace-loving Muslim country that upholds the resolution of conflicts through negotiation, our efforts to avoid bloodshed were unsuccessful. Instead, our security forces were attacked and slain, while Malaysians especially those in Sabah fear for their safety. The government must take appropriate action to safeguard the dignity and sovereignty of the nation as demanded by the rakyat”. * Philippine President, Benigno Aquino also warned the intruders: “You will not succeed”. * In the meantime, up to seven army battalions are deployed to reinforce the police force, and preparations are being made at the main hospital to receive casualties.

* Five Malaysian policemen and two gunmen died in an ambushed on Saturday, at the village off the coast of Semporna, just 180km away from the Lahad Datu. A total of six policemen were confirmed dead due to the shootout by the Sulu gunmen. Sabah police commissioner, Datuk Hamza Taib told reporters that 12 Sulu gunmen were also killed in the clash between Malaysian General Operations Force members and gunmen. (Source) * Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Malaysia are offering their assistance to the Malaysian authorities to find a peaceful solution for the conflict in Lahad Datu. * The Philippine ambassador to Malaysia, J. Eduardo Malaya said in a statement they were in Lahad Datu on a consular, humanitarian mission and stated, “We are here to help”. * Malaya hopes to find a peaceful solution and to avoid further bloodshed, in line with the pronouncement of both President Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. * Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Jose S. Brillantes said: * “We would also like to extend consular assistance to the wounded and other affected nationals. It is important we work together closely in finding a peaceful closure to the situation. Each life is precious. Let us find ways to avoid further loss of lives”. * Two police commandos, Inspector Zulkifli Mamat and Sergeant Sabarudin were killed after police started their operations on the Sulu gunmen after a stand-off in Lahad Datu today. Four other policemen were also reported injured in the operations. (Source) * Sources say that the commandos were killed in the mortar attack after the police moved in at the Tanduo village here on Friday. * Two Sulu gunmen believed killed, with three policemen injured in an encounter in Tanduo village. * Malaysian security forces have yet to confirm the reports, and police have declined to comment if the gunfire was the start of a move against the gunmen led by Azzimudie Kiram.

March 6th, 2013:
Kampung Tanduo bears witness to Sulu militants' attack on Sabah * Entering Kampung Tanduo, a red zone that had witnessed the arrival of Sulu militants in Sabah, this writer could not help but feel a sense of panic although she was accompanied by security forces. * On Monday, April 8, together with 10 other members of the media, we were part of the first group of crew members to enter the high alert area, where two members of the Malaysian police VAT 69 commando force had been killed by militants from southern Philippines. * The two commandos, downed during the attack on March 1, were ASP Zulkifli Mamat from Besut, Terengganu, and Sergeant Sabaruddin Daud from Sabak Bernam, Selangor. * While there had been the initial hiccup when entering the zone, amid the tight security enforced by the Malaysian armed forces throughout the route that led to Kampung Tanduo, we finally made it into the village, with permission granted by the Sabah Police Chief Commissioner, Datuk Hamza Taib. * However, upon entering the village, emotions ran high for us, between elation and nervousness, imagining any remaining terrorists lurking behind our backs and aiming their guns at us. * Fortunately for us, the tight security, provided by the police force accompanying us, and the armed forces that had set up camps around the village, left us feeling more secured. * The bullet-proof vests and safety helmets, provided by the office, also added to the tight defence, besides the constant prayers to "keep everything smooth and alright." * Our time in Kampung Tanduo also provided more than the anticipated experience of visiting the location, where a battle had just ensued and left a black mark in the country's history. * Coincidentally, at the same time, a forensics team was also preparing to dig up the graves of terrorists, who had been buried by their fellow invaders. * At about one in the afternoon that day, a man, who had been paid to do the job, dug up three graves that were sniffed out by police tracker dogs earlier. The graves were located close to the army camps. * Fifteen bodies, believed to be those who were killed in the battle with security forces on March 1, were taken out. * While it was exciting at first to see the grave-digging process in close proximity, this writer had to run for cover when an overwhelming stench took over and the reality of the sight of decaying, dead bodies hit home. * Most of them were still in their full regalia, including a female terrorist. * Heavy rains interrupted the grave-digging process a couple of times and delayed it, with the police eventually finishing up their work of taking out the bodies only at five in the evening. * All the bodies were taken to Hospital Lahad Datu for post mortem examination. * We were lucky and managed to visit the village the second day as well, this time with the Deputy Police Commissioner of Sabah, Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who wanted to check out some of the locations, where the battle between the security forces and the invaders had taken place. * An entourage in 12 vehicles, under the tight security and guard of the police and the army, headed to the locations. * What was obvious was that almost all the houses had been damaged because of the struggles that had taken place. In some of the houses, only beams were left standing, while other houses were left with roofs and were in battered conditions. They were akin to some scenes, usually seen on the television, where news of wars in other parts of the world is reported. * The battle and destruction apparently came about when the militant group refused to retreat from Kampung Tanduo, after they had been given the opportunity to do so. * The government finally launched its offensive on the terrorists' hideouts through aerial attacks by three F/A 18D Hornet fighter jets. * The Operasi Daulat (Operation Sovereignty) offensive was then continued with five Hawk fighter aircrafts, followed by mortar attacks before the ground attacks began to nab the remaining terrorists. * Our next stop was the house of Mat Bom's son, who had been the informer for the terrorists. * The house had been destroyed by fire and machineries, believed to have been used to dig the graves for dead terrorists, which were found in front of the house. * We were told that once Mat Bom had been caught by the security force, his wife and children were relocated to a temporary centre. * Tan, who was given a special briefing by Sabah General Operations Force, operations staff officer DSP Toipi Lamat, later, inspected the house, where several holes had been dug up by the terrorists to act as their hideout areas. * The Tanduo beach, which was the last stop for the group of terrorists, had been the place where the group first landed too. * On the beach laid the remnants of burnt boats, which had served to bring in the terrorists to the village. They had also used an old mosque as their headquarters. * Many army personnel were also seen around the beach, manning temporary security posts that had been set up to prevent terrorist attacks in the future. * Tan said although the place had been declared free of terrorists, the military force would continue to monitor the area. He also said there are no plans to stop security surveillance in the area for the time being. * The village, which had become the landing spot for the invaders from Sulu right from the beginning, was closed by the security force as soon as fights began and was made a non-residential area. * The Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, General Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, meanwhile, said the army had no plans of leaving the village for now and gave an indication that the army would continue to be on guard in the village, although there are no threats at present. * He also said no permanent military camp would be built in the village but added that a permanent camp would be set up in the vicinity of Felda Sahabat, with the cooperation of Felda. – BERNAMA