LP bets held by Malaysian police

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least 32 candidates and supporters of the Liberal Party are presently being held under the custody of Malaysian police in Sandakan, a government official said.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) acting governor Mujiv Hataman said the party was on its way to a provincial political rally in Mapun, Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, April 9, when their vessel was engulfed by the waves because of the bad weather in the area.

“The problem was that their vessel sunk and they were brought by the waves to the boundary of Malaysia,” Hataman said.

Hataman explained that Malaysian maritime authorities immediately rescued the group and brought them to Sandakan.

LP Languyan mayoral candidate Rommel Matba and vice-mayoral candidate Amman Matba were included in those who are presently being held in Sandakan.

With the present tension in Sabah, the local authorities are closely watching the group while under custody.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo Malaya III has already communicated with the Malaysian authorities and is now facilitating the proper release of the group, Hataman said.

The incident happened as the sultanate of Sulu announced that over 400 armed men arrived in the coasts of Sabah to reinforce the fighting unit of the Royal Security Force (RSF).

Princess Jacel Kiram, daughter of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, said these men are volunteers and not members of the RSF.

The reinforcement was fueled by the continuing alleged human rights violations against Filipinos living in Sabah, Kiram explained. – Rappler.com