Azzimudie Kiram left Sabah since March 11

Sulu terrorist leader Azzimudie, or Agbimuddin Kiram, had left the country on March 11 and is now hiding in the small islands of southern Philippines.

Armed Forces General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said security intelligence confirmed this, adding that Azzimudie left his followers in Sabah and fled from one island to another for shelter.

"Azzimudie is believed to have done so to avoid his location from being detected by the Moro people, and for fear that he will be arrested by the Philippine authorities," he said at a news conference with Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar at the Felda Sahabat 16 Operations Headquarters, near here today.

He was commenting on recent allegations in a blog (mymassa.blogspot.com) that Azzimudie Kiram was shot dead by his own guard and that his body was buried in a place only known by his elite followers.

In reply to a question on whether the security forces will track down Azzimudie in the Philippines, Zulkifeli said that it was out of their jurisdiction.

He believed that further action can be taken through the country's bilaterial ties.

Azzimudie Kiram led the intrusion with about 200 armed terrorists from southern Philippines on Feb 12 which saw the death of 63 terrorists, including one shot dead yesterday morning, as well as the death of 10 Malaysian security personnel.