Sultan followers vow to fight to the last man

MANILA, Philippines - The 214 members of the Sultanate of Sulu's Royal Security Force  led by Agbimmudin Kiram or the forces loyal to Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram have vowed to fight to the last man amid Malaysia's  overwhelming use of force against them.

“Now as the battle rages under a tremendous and superior force by the Malaysian composite forces of air and naval bombardment including army and police forces, all we  could do is to ask the Almighty Allah to protect our people in Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak, Sandakan and all over the island of Sabah. Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram [remains] encouraged by his aspiration,  together with the 214 members of the Royal Security Force to reclaim and settle peacefully in our homeland,” said Princess Jacel Kiram.

“The Crown Prince, the Royal Security Force and the many patriots who landed voluntarily will fight to the last man protecting their dreams and aspirations,” she added.

Princess Kiram also criticized Malacañang for apparently giving up on seeking a peaceful resolution of the issue and is now bent on establishing a conspiracy behind the Sabah incursion.

“Question: Is it now clear that the government of P-Noy has given up and now pursues where to put the blame on the basis of imaginary conspiracies? Mr. President, wala pong nagsusulsol, wala pong financier at wala pong foreign interests na nakikialam sa ginawa ng Sultanate of Sulu,” she said.

"Totally defeated"

A Malaysian news outfit, meanwhile, reported that the Sulu sultanate’s followers have been “totally defeated” by Malaysian forces who staged an assault Tuesday in Tanduo village in Lahad Datu, Malaysian media reported.

Malaysia’s The Star Online said the situation in Sabah’s east coast had been declared “under control” even as security forces remain in high alert at key locations.

“The Sulu armed group was totally routed by Malaysian security forces' overwhelming firepower unleashed at 7 a.m. Tuesday, police sources said,” the report read.

“The situation in all parts of east coast Sabah was described as under control by the police and the army who are on high alert at strategic locations as there have been threats of retaliation from the Sulu Sultan's followers,” it added.

Malaysian security sources have claimed that the sultanate’s forces have been “totally routed” but did not provide data on their casualties.

Tan Sri Omar Ismail, Malaysian police Inspector-General, was quoted by The Star Online as saying that the Malaysian forces did not suffer any casualty.

“Negotiations to resolve the standoff failed peacefully and on Tuesday morning, fighter jets took to the air and pounded the village, followed by elite police teams who went in to finish the job,” The Star Online said.

Malaysian officials have justified the attacks, saying it was intended to protect their sovereignty.

“The government must take action to safeguard the dignity and sovereignty of the country as demanded by the people,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his Facebook page.

"What we want to tell Malaysians is that the armed forces' operation to defend the nation's sovereignty has been fruitful," Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted by state-run news agency Bernama as saying.

Najib called on Malaysians to support their fighters and to pray for those who fought in Lahad Datu and Semporna.

“We will not allow anyone threaten our national sovereignty,” the Malaysian prime minister said.

Misuari as emissary

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari also on Tuesday volunteered himself as an emissary to Kuala Lumpur with the aim of finding a solution to end the Sabah incursion incident.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the home of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III inside the Maharlika Village in Taguig City,  Misuari said he is willing to sit down and talk with Malaysian Premier Najib Razak should Malaysia signify its desire for him to do so.

“If need be to resolve this problem, for the sake of peace, and to save the lives of our young people who had joined the adventure to Sabah, as well as of the Malaysian soldiers, who are also generally soldiers, we Muslims are brothers. Muslims should not fight because that is condemned by God. And therefore, if there is a need for me to visit Kuala Lumpur and possibly iron out differences between two brotherly nations, the Bangsamoro nation and the Malaysian nation; the Bangsamoro people and the Malaysian people. If there is a need for me, I am willing to go at my own expense,” he said.

Misuari also lashed at President Aquino for taking the side of Malaysia on the Sabah incursion issue. He added that the Aquino administration had handled the situation “badly” and that what the President did was “unbecoming” of a head of state.

“What they have done is very bad. It is very unbecoming of a head of state. Why is he siding with the enemy of his own people? I don’t know who is advising him. And for what reason is he [favoring] Malaysia [over] our people. I am totally against that. I hope the President is properly advised and would recant so we could forgive him,” he said.

Misuari also cautioned the president against arresting the Sultan of Sulu.

“Let them do that . The country will be in total chaos if they do. I promise you. The president should be calm and quiet. If he has nothing to say, he should not open his mouth anymore,” he said.

Misuari also reiterated that he and the MNLF are not behind the Sabah incursion.

“There has been a lot of speculation about my supposed involvement. Earlier they said that I was the one who inspired this adventure to  journey to our homeland, Sabah. And then recently, I was informed that I was not only the one who inspired the journey, they say that I was the one who financed the travel of these young men, including the (Agbimmudin),” he said.

“These are all wild speculations. In the first place, I have not inspired anyone. I cannot preempt the role of the Sultan,” he added.

Misuari also denied allegations that he had financed the incursion.

“To finance it is out of the question of course. If indeed I am that well-off, why should I finance this adventure of the Sultan’s men?... That is not my way of doing things,” he said.

“So for anyone to speculate that I have anything to do with this is a kind of madness.  It is very irresponsible to implicate me in this. But to say that I am not concerned over the fate of the young man is wrong.   I have warned the Malaysian government. Every drop of their blood is sacred to us,” he added.