FEB.

23, 2013

NR # 3024C

Mindanao solons seek peaceful resolution of Sabah claim issue & standoff
Two Mindanao lawmakers are backing peaceful means to resolve both the Sabah claim issue and standoff. House Deputy Speaker and Zamboanga City Rep. Ma. Isabelle Climaco said there is historical claim on the Sabah issue, but diplomatic channels have to be used for its peaceful resolution. Diplomatic channels have to be used through the Department of Foreign Affairs. We do not want an escalation of tensions in our borders thus, exercise all means for a peaceful resolution, said Climaco. Rep. Simeon Datumanong (2nd District, Maguindanao), a former justice secretary, also supported diplomatic means to resolve the Sabah claim issue and the current standoff between Malaysian authorities and followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalil Kiram III who were given a deadline to leave and return home. There should be a diplomatic deal with Malaysia regarding dealing with the men of the Sulu Sultanate and at the same time talk with the Sultan to help avoid a drastic situation, said Datumanong. The former Deputy Speaker for Mindanao said the government could find some persons who have access to the Sultan to talk to him. About 300 followers of Jamalul led by his brother, Agbimuddin Kiram, are holed up in the village of Tanduao in Lahad Datu town in Sabah. The followers, members of the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, landed in speedboats early this month after crossing the sea from Simunul Island in Tawi-Tawi. The followers declared they will not leave and are reclaiming the area as their ancestral territory, Malaysian authorities have given them until Friday to leave or be rounded up for deportation. Based on different historical records and accounts, Sabah was part of the sultanate of Brunei, and in 1658, the sultan of Brunei ceded Sabah to the sultan of Sulu in compensation for his contribution in settling a civil war in Brunei. (30) rbb