ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 10, 2013) – Dozens of Filipino politicians campaigning in the southern province of Tawi-Tawi were arrested by Malaysian authorities after they strayed into Sabah where security forces are battling a rag tag army of the Sulu sultanate.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said authorities have seized guns and other weapons from a boat carrying 32 people who were intercepted on April 8 near Lahad Datu town.
He said those arrested have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
Reports in Tawi-Tawi province said among those arrested were Mayor Rommel Matba, of Languyan town, who is a key political ally of Governor Sadikul Sahali, and their followers. Sahali and Matba belong to the Liberal party of President Benigno Aquino III.
Matba’s group was heading to Taganak Island near the Sabah border when a Malaysian police patrol intercepted them about 12 nautical miles off the island of Tambisan.
The arrest came following reports that about hundreds Muslim fighters who volunteered to reinforce the embattled followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram, were sent to Sabah.
Philippine authorities have not issued any statement about the arrest and the fate of the politicians and their followers. Officials from the Western Mindanao Command and the Coast Guard also did not give any statement and Sahali could not be reached to comment on the incident. (Mindanao Examiner. With a report from Eli D. Umaboc)
20