TAWAU, Oct 16 ― The success of the security forces of the Philippines in shooting dead Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) chief, Isnilon Hapilon in the latest battle in Marawi, southern Philippines is a positive development which hopefully can end the episodes of kidnapping especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
Sabah Suluk Solidarity Council (MPSS) secretary, Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said it is also hoped that the peaceful atmosphere in the waters of the Sulu Sea would return to enable all economic activities to resume as normal.
In this regard, he hoped the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) could tighten control along the Malaysia-Philippines territorial waters as it was feared that ASG fragment groups would slip into Sabah to evade the security forces of the Philippines and use the state as their location to carry out their strategic planning.
Zaki said all possibilities were possible because they were desperate to save themselves and continue their struggle or at least seek revenge on the death of their leader.
“They may masquerade as fishermen, traders or tourists to slip into Sabah and this situation must be given utmost attention to maintain the security in Sabah.
“The people of Sabah must also help ESSCom by informing them of the presence of suspicious characters in their respective areas so that fast and appropriate action can be taken,” he told Bernama today.
Zaki said this when commenting on the statement of the Secretary of Defence of the Philippines Delfin Lorenzana, via the news portal, The Philippine Inquirer.Net today, confirming that Isnilon and Maute terrorist group leader, Omar Mauter had been killed in a battle with the security forces of the Philippines in Marawi, southern Philippines.
He was confident ESSCom, headed by its commander, would always be prepared 24-hour a day to face any possibility.
At the same time, Zaki said the people of Sabah must be thankful to the federal government specifically Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who continued to focus on efforts to look after the national security and sovereignty especially on the east coast of Sabah. ― Bernama
