‘1,000 MNLF fighters join Kiram forces in Sabah’
MANILA, Philippines - Some 1,000 fighters from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have reportedly joined the forces of Agbimuddin Kiram in Sabah to fight the Malaysian security forces in Lahad Datu.
Hajib Mujaha Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council, told The STAR yesterday that the “volunteers” managed to slip through the naval blockade of the Malaysian police and Philippine Navy in going to Sabah to join Kiram’s forces.
“As of today (yesterday), more than 1,000 have slipped though and have reinforced (Kiram) in Sabah,” Hashim said.
“All of the fighters here in Jolo are MNLF but they are there not as MNLF but as volunteers from Sulu, Basilan and Zamboanga peninsula,” Hashim added in Filipino.
Hashim said Kiram’s forces could use the MNLF fighters as reinforcement for its guerrilla campaign against the Malaysian security forces.
“They are experienced in guerrilla warfare. They are there not officially as MNLF but we could not prevent MNLF forces from going there and reinforcing the royal army of the sultanate of Sulu in the area,” he said.
Hashim said the Malaysian security forces had not slowed down their manhunt for Kiram’s men although the aerial bombardment has stopped.
“The level of the military operations has not weakened. The mass arrests and deportations continue. This is still bothersome. Although there are no more aerial bombings, the pursuit operations continue,” he said.
Hashim added Kiram’s men have local supporters that are providing food and logistics.
He, however, would not comment on reports that the sultan’s forces are using former MNLF guerrilla bases in Lahad Datu and in nearby areas as hideouts.
Hashim also would not also comment on reports that civilians in the conflict-affected areas of Sabah supporting Kiram’s forces have also taken up arms and have joined the fight.
“It is confidential. But they are getting more support. Supporters are now giving them food. They are better now but they are still on the run. But now that volunteer fighters are joining them, they have already managed to have a controlled area in that part of Sabah. More volunteers would come as they have their own ways of crossing the blockades,” he said.
The MNLF forces in Sulu since last month have been monitored to be training, reportedly in preparation to help the sultan stake their claim in Sabah.
“They have spread out into smaller groups. They have adopted guerrilla tactics,” he said.
Hashim also appealed anew to Malaysia to consider talking with the sultanate of Sulu and end the standoff which began last February.
“This is already taking too long. That is why we have indicated our intention, through the Royal Council of Sharifs of the Sultanate of Sulu, to convince Malaysia to talk. It is very advantageous for Malaysia to sit down and resolve this Sabah standoff and the Sabah claim. It is for the interest of Malaysia and the sultanate of Sulu if they could finally resolve the Sabah issue,” he said. Hashim said the Royal Council of Sharifs of the Sultanate of Sulu, which he heads, is now talking with Malaysia informally to convince it to consider negotiating with the sultanate on the Sabah issue.
“We are trying all avenues both officially and unofficially. We are exhausting all possibilities short of starting a war between the sultanate of Sulu and Malaysia. All Muslims are brothers. This has to be resolved in the Islamic way of resolving conflicts and that has to be with peaceful negotiation,” he said.
Hashim added that they would also possibly be seeking the mediation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should Malaysia finally agree to sit down with the Sulu sultanate. – With Roel Pareño
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