MNLF official denies troops on alert amid Sabah standoff

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A senior official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Wednesday denied reports that its members were preparing to invade Sabah to support the members of the Sulu Sultanate who have been locked in a standoff with Malaysian security forces in Lahad Datu.

Habib Mujahab Hashim, senior member to the MNLF central committee and chairman of Islamic Command Council (ICC), said the MNLF members were not also placed on alert.

Hashim issued the denial following the statement made by a certain MNLF political officer Hadji Gapul Hadjirul about the alleged movement of the MNLF fighters.

“The MNLF took exception to the statement of a certain Hajirul regarding the Sabah stand off. Brother Nur (Misuari) said he has not instructed of any alert of its members," Hashim said.

Hashim made it clear that they support Sultan Jamalul Kiram in the peaceful resolution through negotiations to end the standoff in Lahad Datu.

“Other than that and for the MNLF members to go to Sabah that is definitely not true. Going there will only court further trouble,” Hashim said.