PH turns to diplomacy after Sabah shooting

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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Through a note verbale, the Philippines asks Malaysia to explain the shooting in Sabah

MANILA, Philippines – The assault in Sabah formally turned into a diplomatic issue on Friday, March 1, after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a note verbale asking the Malaysian government to explain what happened.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Philippines has asked Malaysia for a full report on Friday’s assault. Hernandez also relayed Malaysia’s report that at least 3 people died due to the incident.

The Philippine government has also asked Malaysia to allow its ship to dock in Lahud Datu so it can bring home the wounded.

The Sulu Sultanate led by Jamalul Kiram III, whose followers sailed to Sabah two weeks ago, earlier said 10 died and 4 got wounded. Malaysia is insisting only 3 were killed.

The Kiram family is one of the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, which ruled over many islands on the Sulu Sea including what was known then as Northern Borneo (Sabah).

The Philippines’ claim to Sabah, albeit dormant, has complicated its ties with Malaysia.

For one, said top diplomat Rodolfo Severino in his book Where in the World is the Philippines?, “the Philippines is unable to establish consulate in Sabah.” Establishing a consulate, Severino said, “is an event that would further indicate a recognition by the Philippines of the legitimacy of North Borneo’s place under Malaysia’s sovereignty.” (Read: Sabah standoff: Publicity stunt?)

The Philippine government’s presence in Sabah, he explained, could help in problems involving Filipinos there, such as human trafficking.

‘Let us dock’

In his press conference, Hernandez said the Philippines wants to send its ship, BRP Tagbanua, to dock in Lahad Datu, Sabah. He said the ship will attend to injured Filipinos and bring them back home.

President Benigno Aquino III, for his part, said he is monitoring the situation in Sabah. Aquino on Tuesday, February 26, ordered the Sulu Sultanate’s followers to return to the Philippines. (Watch Aquino’s statement below.)

The heirs of the sultan of Sulu, led by Rajah Mudah Kiram and between 180 and 400 followers, sailed to Sabah on February 12 to pursue their claim on the resource-rich state, saying they felt left out of the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.  Rappler.com


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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com