PNP Chief Alan Purisima (in fatigue uniform) gets a calling card from his wallet as Princess Fatima Cecili Kiram (L), wife of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, looks on. Rappler/Karlos Manlupig

TAWI-TAWI, Philippines (UPDATED) - The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrived in the town of Simunul Thursday, March 7, to meet with supporters of the armed Filipinos still holed up in Sabah.

Director General Alan Purisima met with Jadji Nurquisa Kiram, wife of the leader of the armed Filipinos holed up in Sabah, Raja Muda Agmibuddin Kiram, at their camp in Simunul.

Purisima gave Nurquisa his calling card. "Pumunta kami dito para itanong kung ano ang kailangan ninyo," Purisima said. ("We came here to ask you what you need.)

He added she can call him anytime. Purisima stayed for about 30 minutes.

VISIT. PNP chief Alan Purisima, right, with Tawi-Tawi officials in Simunul. Photo by Karlos Manlupig

Abdulnasir Uto, spokesman of the Kiram-led Royal Sulu Forces, thanked Purisima for the visit. However, he said President Benigno Aquino III still favors Malaysia in the standoff. "Aquino still favors Malaysia. But at least the PNP chief expressed good faith by visiting us."

It was in Simunul where Raja Muda and more than 200 armed followers prepared to sail to Sabah to revive the Sabah claim. The gunmen arrived in Lahad Datu on February 9.

Purisima's visit comes on the day the Kirams declared a ceasefire in Sabah. - Rappler.com