Philippines government sends ship to Lahad Datu

The Philippines government has sent a ship to Malaysia in their effort to bring back a group of Filipino gunmen who have stationed themselves at the coastal area near Lahad Datu, Sabah since Feb 12.

The group of 180 members claiming to be the ‘Royal Sulu Sultanate Army’, including 30 armed escorts, will be shipped back by the vessel bearing hull number AT296.

The vessel sailed from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi to the Tanduo village in Lahad Datu and is currently anchored at the coastal area while negotiation with the group is carried out.

The matter was informed by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the Malaysian embassy in Manila.

In the statement, Philippines Foreign Affairs secretary Albert F. Del Rosario urged all members of the group to return home to their families.

He had also said Manila is working on solving the main issues that concern the group.

On Feb 12, more than 100 armed foreigners clad in military fatigues encroached into the waters off Lahad Datu.

The group demanded to be declared as the ‘Royal Sulu Sultanate Army’ and do not want to be deported back.

They have stayed in Lahad Datu for the past two weeks.

Kuala Lumpur gave the group until Feb 22 to leave the country.

However, the timeframe given was extended to 48 hours after the Philippines government requested until Tuesday as it was still having talks with the group to giving up their stand.