LAHAD DATU, June 23 — The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has issued a new list of 18 individuals wanted for alleged involvement in transborder crimes in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) last year. 

Its commander, DCP Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, said all the individuals were foreigners, including the leader of Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan, who is also the so-called Islamic State Element chief in southern Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon, and the leader of the Maute Millitant Group in Marawai, Abdullah Maute.

"We fear that they will escape to other countries, including Malaysia via Sabah, following the military action taken by the Philippine government to combat the Maute millitants in Marawi City.

"We also suspect that they will enter the country by posing as illegal immigrants or fishermen,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

He said public with information about the individuals are requested to contact the ESSCom operation room at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp to 013-880 3585 or 019-230 5909 or to lodge a report at any police station for further action.

The 16 other wanted individuals are Hatib Hajan@Sawadjan, Alden Badge@Sayning, Apo Mike@Majan Sahidjuan, Marajan Asiri, Indang Susukan, Raden Abuh, Halipah Ibrahim, Salvador Muktadil@Badong, Ben Yadah@Ben Tattoh, Arrah Saminddih, Boy Intel, Berham Luthien@Vietnam, Sabri Madrasul@Salip Jul, Las Pangit, Sangbas and Salip Mura. — Bernama