Saturday, March 2, 2013

2013 Lahad Datu standoff



Source: Wikipedia

The 2013 Lahad Datu standoff arose after a group of approximately 100–400 individuals, some of them armed, arrived by boat in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia fromSimunul island, Tawi-Tawi of southern Philippines on 11 February 2013.[1][3] The group, calling themselves the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo,[1] was sent by Jamalul Kiram III, one of the claimants to the throne of theSultanate of Sulu. Kiram stated that their objective is to assert their unresolved territorial claim to eastern Sabah (the former North Borneo).[2]
Malaysian security forces have surrounded the village of Tanduo in Lahad Datu where the group had gathered, while negotiations for the peaceful resolution of the standoff are ongoing.[7]

Background

National territorial dispute

Main article: North Borneo dispute
In a long-standing dispute, the Philippines has asserted territorial claims in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The basis of this claim is that the dominion of the Sultanate of Sulu has historically spanned from the Sulu Archipelago into parts of northernBorneo. Malaysia has made annual payments to the descendents of the Sultan of Sulu in keeping with an agreement signed by the North Borneo Company, but it otherwise rejects any Philippine territorial claim to land in Sabah.[8]

[edit]Sulu succession dispute

Main article: Sultanate of Sulu#Recent pretenders
Another factor behind the standoff is the unresolved status of the Sultanate of Sulu. The Filipino group in Lahad Datu claims to represent Jamalul Kiram III as the Sultan of Sulu. However, his status as the Sultan of Sulu is disputed by other legitimate pretenders.

[edit]Initiation of the standoff

Heirs to the Sultanate of Sulu felt excluded by the terms of the framework of a peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as announced on 7 October 2012 by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. In response, Jamalul Kiram III, claiming to be the legitimate heir to the throne of Sulu, decreed on 11 November 2012 that a civilian and military contingent should assert his territorial rights in North Borneo. He appointed his brother and Raja Mudah ("heir apparent" or "crown prince"), Agbimuddin Kiram, to lead the group.[1][9]
Months later on 11 February 2013, Agbimuddin Kiram and at least 100 followers arrived in the village of Tanduo, located near Tungku in Lahad Datu District, Sabah from neighboring Simunul island, Tawi-Tawi of southern Philippines.[10] Around eighty people fled from 15 homes in Tanduo.[11]

[edit]Development of standoff

Malaysian police have blockaded roads leading from Lahad Datu through palm oil plantations to the remote village of Tanduo, where the armed group is encircled. Malaysian police patrol boats were also patrolling nearby waters. Filipino security agencies have also blocked off entry from southern Philippines.[7]
The Philippines has also deployed six naval ships to the seas of Sulu and Tawi Tawi to help stabilize the situation.[12] An additional Philippine naval ship was sent to Malaysian waters off Lahad Datu to provide humanitarian assistance.[13]
On 26 February, President Aquino appealed to Kiram to recall his followers and to hold dialogue with the government to address his family's concerns.[14] In a press conference held at Malacañang Palace, Aquino said that the longer Kiram’s followers stay in Sabah, the more they endanger not just their own lives, but also those of the thousands of Filipinos living and working there. Addressing Kiram, he said, "It must be clear to you that this small group of people will not succeed in addressing your grievances, and that there is no way that force can achieve your aims."[15]
Aquino also reminded him that as a Filipino citizen, he is bound by the Constitution of the Philippines and its laws. The President said he has ordered an investigation into possible violations of laws by Kiram, his followers and collaborators citing the Constitution's provision onrenouncing war as an instrument of national policy and Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes those who "provoke or give occasion for a war...or expose Filipino citizens to reprisals on their persons or property."[15] He said a dialogue to address the country's territorial dispute to eastern Sabah could be arranged after those involved in the standoff come home immediately. Aquino also declined to confirm reports of other parties being allegedly behind the standoff in order to sabotage the Bangsamoro peace process.[14][16]
Kiram remained defiant, despite a warning of arrest, saying his men would not go back home “until an arrangement has been done by our officials and the President, and if that will be arranged accordingly with a written agreement signed by the parties concerned.” He shared that in his last conversation with Agbimuddin over the phone, his brother told him that their followers were firm in their decision to stay in Sabah even though they have little access to food as a result of the food blockade ordered by the Malaysian government.[17]
The 74-year-old sultan said he was ready to be jailed if the Philippine government filed a case against him and members of his clan, citing his old age. He said he cannot understand what his violation against the Constitution is, saying he has always respected it and that "coming home to their homeland" is not a crime. Kiram also asked Malaysia to "sit down in a square table and to diplomatically settle the issue on the claim" stressing the need to "come up with a win-win solution." He reiterated that he and his men “will not initiate the violence… But are prepared to defend our lives and aspirations” and that the Sabah issue “can be peacefully settled without threat, but in a diplomatic way.”[17]
Sitti Jacel, the daughter of Kiram, said his father's followers were not in Lahad Datu in order to wage war but to reside peacefully on what they call their ancestral territory. She added that they would not leave unless they are given a "concrete solution." She also expressed disappointment at the apparent lack of support from the Philippine government, adding that Manila needs to balance diplomatic relations and the interests of its constituents.[18]
Malaysian Deputy Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar advised the public not to be worried, and assured that the standoff will be resolved as soon as possible. He added that the incident is being handled as a national security issue. He also declined to comment on whether there are ongoing negotiations with the group of Kiram.[19]

[edit]March 1 skirmish

At around 10:15 a.m. on 1 March, three days after Malaysia's extended deadline for the group to leave Lahad Datu, a confrontation occurred between the sultanate's forces and the Malaysian police, with shots exchanged. According to Abraham Idjirani, Kiram's spokesperson, 10 members of their army were killed with four more injured as a result of the skirmish.[20] There were also two casualties from the Malaysian police. The owner of the house where Agbimuddin Kiram and his men had stayed was also killed in the shooting incident.[6][21]
Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein claimed that Kiram's men opened fire and denied that their security forces retaliated.[22]Initial reports from the Malaysian embassy in the Philippines stated that there were no fatalities in the shooting.[5] Ambassador Mohammad Zamri bin Mohammad Kassim told Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario that the "standoff was over" and that 10 "royal army" members had surrendered to Malaysian authorities after the assault. He added that the group of Kiram at Lahad Datu escaped and ran towards the sea. A pursuit for them has ensued.[21]
Idjirani reacted that Malaysian officials wanted "to cover up the truth" when they claimed that no one was hurt in the incident. He also appealed to the Malaysian government to stop the attack, saying Kiram's men were armed only with bolos and knives and only a few had guns.[20] He claimed that snipers from the Malaysian police were targeting their group. He added that the sultanate is now looking at the possibility of elevating the matter to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations Human Rights Commission.[5] He also said that their men had moved to another location to continue their fight and urged Malaysia to hold talks.[6]
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak later confirmed that there were casualties from the shootout.[23] He said he had now given Malaysian security forces a mandate to take "any action" against the group.[6]

[edit]Reactions

  •  Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario sought the assurance of Malaysian authorities that the rights of Filipinos who were “permanent residents in Sabah and who may be among the group” would be respected. He also urged the Filipinos to “return to their homes and families.”[24] It was also clarified that the Filipino group's actions were not sanctioned by the Philippine government.[25]
  •  United States – US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said that Manila and Kuala Lumpur have the ability “to work this out in a peaceful manner, according to international norms." He also added that if the two governments would sit down and talk, the standoff could be resolved without bloodshed.[26] The United States welcomed the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2012.[27]
  • Other Sulu Sultanate pretenders:
    • Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram decried the actions of his relatives and what he claims are "false pretenders to the throne" in a press release[28] and on a Malaysiakini TV interview.[29]
    • Fuad Kiram expressed his disapproval of the actions of his first cousin, Jamalul Kiram III. He said he wants the retaking of Sabah done “by peaceful means and by peaceful coexistence with others.”[30] He also offered his prayers for the safety of the people who are in Lahad Datu.[31]
    • Abdul Rajak Aliuddin, opposes the claims of Jamalul Kiram III and his supporters, stating that his own family "is the rightful owner of the throne." He claims to be the sixth Sultan of North Borneo.[32]

[edit]See also

[edit]References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Heirs of Sultan of Sulu pursue Sabah claim on their own". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 16 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  2. ^ a b Frialde, Mike (23 February 2013). "Sultanate of Sulu wants Sabah returned to Phl". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  3. ^ a b Mullen, Jethro (15 February 2013). "Filipino group on Borneo claims to represent sultanate, Malaysia says". CNN. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  4. ^ Laude, Jaime and Pareño, Roel (20 February 2013). "Malaysia urged: Don’t harm men of sultan". The Phillipine Star. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  5. ^ a b c "Spokesman claims 10 Kiram men killed in Sabah". ABS-CBN News. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d "Malaysia standoff with armed Filipinos ends in violence". Yahoo! News. Reuters. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  7. ^ a b "PH calls for peaceful solution to Borneo standoff".Philippine Daily Inquirer. 17 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  8. ^ David, Randy. "The Sabah Standoff". Malaysia Today. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  9. ^ "Malaysian security forces moving in on village". The Star Online. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  10. ^ Mullen, Jethro (19 February 2013). "Filipinos' standoff in Borneo linked to peace deal with Muslim rebels". CNN. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  11. ^ "Only Malaysians receive aid, says Lahad Datu district office".The Star. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  12. ^ Vanar, Muguntan (22 February 2013). "Lahad Datu Standoff: Philippines naval ships in Tawi-Tawi waters to help stabilise situation". The Star. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  13. ^ Calica, Aurea (26 February 2013). "Phl wants diplomatic solution to Sabah standoff". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
  14. ^ a b Chiu, Patricia Denise (26 February 2013). "Aquino to Sulu sultan: Order your followers to leave Sabah and go home". GMA News. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  15. ^ a b "Statement of President Aquino on Sabah, February 26, 2013". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  16. ^ Cheng, Willard (26 February 2013). "PNoy to Kiram: Bring your followers home". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  17. ^ a b Avendaño, Christine O.; Ramos, Marlon; Ubac, Michael Lim; Quismundo, Tarra (27 February 2013). "Sulu sultan defies Aquino". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
  18. ^ Lapeña, Carmela (26 February 2013). "Sulu sultan remains defiant, says followers in Sabah won't go home". GMA News. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  19. ^ "Encroachment Incident In Lahad Datu Will Be Immediately Resolved". Bernama. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  20. ^ a b Carcamo, Dennis (1 March 2013). "Sulu sultan spokesman: 10 men killed in Sabah". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  21. ^ a b Santos, Matikas (1 March 2013). "Sabah standoff over—Malaysian envoy". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  22. ^ "Kiram men opened fire at our forces: Malaysian official". ABS-CBN News. Agence France-Presse. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  23. ^ Anis, Mazwin Nik; Khoo, Simon; Vanar, Muguntan (1 March 2013)."Lahad Datu: PM confirms two commandos killed; regrets bloodshed". The Star Online. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  24. ^ "DFA statement on the Filipinos in Lahad Datu, Sabah, February 15, 2013". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  25. ^ "Malaysia stand-off with Philippine group". BBC News Online. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  26. ^ Alipala, Julie and Rosauro, Ryan (23 February 2013). "US stays clear of Sabah row". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  27. ^ "US Hails Peace Deal". Manila Bulletin. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  28. ^ "Statement from Ampun Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram, 35th Sultan of Sulu". PRLog. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  29. ^ Naidu, Sumisha (21 February 2013). Multiple Sultans of Sulu making claims for Sabah (video). Malaysiakini. Event occurs at 1:15. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  30. ^ Nawal, Allan Afdal (26 February 2013). "2 more claim to be real sultan of Sulu". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  31. ^ Jannaral, Julmunir I. (23 February 2013). "Govt-recognized Sultan of Sulu, Fuad Kiram, asks for sobriety, prayers for peace on standoff". The Manila Times. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  32. ^ "Businessman: I am the Sultan of North Borneo". The Star Online. 21 February 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2013.

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