The alleged discovery of an aircraft wreckage filled with human skeletons on an southern Philippine island has created much speculation especially as it had been linked to the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370, which had been declared as missing.
It began with a claim by a teenager who said he stumbled upon the wreckage while hunting for birds in a valley on Sugbay Island, Tawi-Tawi early September.
He also claimed to have found a dilapidated piece of cloth at the same location which is said to be the Malaysian flag. He had initially wanted to it as a blanket.
“The residents on the island hunt birds for food and build their houses on the water. They don’t watch television and as such they have no knowledge of the outside world,” said Jamil Omar, the individual who lodged the police report on the find yesterday.
According to Jamil, the find had become the talk of the town and that is how his aunt, Siti Kayam, came to know about it. She is currently residing on the island and often travels to Sabah.
“She (Siti Kayam) was shocked to learn that the item, that was removed from the aircraft wreckage as claimed by the teenager, was the Malaysian flag,” Jamil told Astro AWANI.
Jamil said, the piece of cloth was still intact but had already been washed.
He added, several police officers had come to his home to record his aunt’s statement and took the piece of cloth with them.
On Saturday, Sabah police chief, Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman in a statement had confirmed receiving the police report at the Sandakan police station on Friday leading police to launch an investigation.
'Philippine police baffled'
In a related development, authorities in the southern Philippines were baffled over claims of the discovery of aircraft wreckage, with a Malaysian flag inside, in the jungles of a remote island.
A senior Philippine police officer at the regional headquarters for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao said they had not received any report of a plane crash on any of their islands, The Star Online reported.
“We will investigate the matter but if there is any aircraft that has gone down in our area there would have been alerts from civil aviation authorities,” Supt Rodoleo Jocson said.
'Not compulsory'
An MAS cabin attendant told Astro AWANI that is was not compulsory for all of its aircraft to carry the Malaysian flag onboard.
“The flag was probably brought onboard by a passenger. You cannot simply link a dilapidated flag with MH370,” the attendant said.
Hakim Rahman
Sun Oct 11 2015
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of MH370 is still unanswered and various speculations that have surfaced are not helping investigations. - File Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.