14 killed in Sabah assault

At least 12 “Sulu raiders” and two Malaysian security personnel were killed when security forces attacked Lahad Datu, Sabah on Friday, March 1. Sabah police chief Datuk Hamza Taib told a press conference they were killed in a shootout shortly before 10 am. The assault ended the 17-day standoff instigated by followers of the Kirams who are heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III. The Kirams are pursuing their claim on the resource-rich Sabah. Earlier, the Malaysian ambassador to Manila reported only 3 killed — two Malaysian police officers and one civilian. Sulu Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani previously said at least 10 Filipinos were killed in Sabah but Malacañang insisted no firefight took place. The Philippine government had sent a ship to Sabah to bring home Kiram’s group but they refused and have remained holed up in Lahad Datu. Idjirani insisted they would continue to fight and would not leave Sabah.

Read the full story on Rappler. 

Another story on the gunshots being fired is also on Rappler.

A related story on President Aquino’s admonition to Sultan Jamalul Kiram III is also on Rappler.