Published on: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 |
Lahad Datu: Police have decided to act based on the law to resolve the intrusion of armed Filipinos in Kampung Tanduo, some 130km from Lahad Datu town.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said police would use relevant laws to prosecute the foreigners under siege by security forces, to ensure that nobody could escape and enter the area.
"We will decide after considering various factors including the surrounding area before acting. When the time comes, there will be no more negotiations. We can charge them in court, it is up to us.
"We don't care where they come from, including the Sultanate of Sulu.
They are foreigners who intruded our country and violated our laws and sovereignty.
"Action can be taken under the Penal Code or related laws," he told reporters at Lahad Datu Marine Police Complex here.
Hamza said the police will use a suitable approach and will never compromise on the intrusion issue to guarantee the country's sovereignty.
"Yes, we heard gunshots but I dare say they were not from security forces.
They may be aimed at animals or warning shots (from intruders)," he said commenting on a report published in the alternative media.
He urged the people not to worry as security is still under control adding the intruders may face shortage of water, food and fuel.
Asked about the alleged Philippine vessel sent to bring the intruders home, Hamza said the vessel was not in Malaysian territorial waters.
Police have identified the group of armed Filipinos who landed in Kampung Tanduo on Feb. 12 as descendants of "Raja Sulu" from Southern Philippines.
