Time for M'sia, P'pines to discuss kidnappings
Published on: Monday, May 25, 2015
Lahad Datu: Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Chief Executive Officer Ruji Ubi believes it is time for the Malaysian authorities and southern Philippine authorities to sit and discuss the best approach to handle cross-border crimes, especially kidnapping issues in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone). He said the new initiative was necessary as the criminals who infiltrated the State through Esszone waters are those from southern Philippines."At this point, the cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippine authorities is confined to the exchange of intelligence information.
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"Therefore, following the kidnapping incident in Sandakan recently, there is a need to extend this cooperation in a holistic manner, including holding a discussion for joint co-ordination and control of waters off the Esszone and Sulu waters (southern Philippines)," he said.Ruji said this in his speech at the Men's open futsal tournament for the Esscom Commander Cup at Dynason on Saturday.Also present were Esscom Director of Operations, Brig Jen Dato' Roslan Tuan Ismail, Esscom Director of Secretariat, Newmond Tibin and Director of Public Action, Wan Mohd Khalid Wan Kamal.Ruji believes with their extensive collaboration, it will be able to produce a solution that benefits both parties.
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"I see this is a new mechanism that needs to be explored in our efforts to think of something out of the box and both parties must be serious in this matter," he said, hoping the Philippine authorities will consider the proposal for the common good, thereby ensuring Esszone is free from cross-border crimes.Ruji also urged the Esszone community, including the youth to continue to provide support to Esscom, especially in terms of the dissemination of information to the security forces.
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He also reminded them not to protect illegal immigrants and report to the authorities on the presence of illegals in their respective areas.Meanwhile, Ruji said the futsal tournament aimed to strengthen ties as well as serve as a platform to clarify current issues on security in Esszone.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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