Jamalul Kiram III dies at 75

The controversial, self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III passed away on Sunday morning.

He was 75 years old.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Jacel Kiram, through her Facebook page.

Jacel said her father passed away at 4am.

Inquirer Global Nation reported that Jamalul passed away due to multiple organ failure.

Quoting Jacel, the report said Jamalul had been suffering from the disease for a long time.

She said Kiram’s passing was not that hard for the family to accept since her father had already instilled in them that things happen because of the “will of Allah.”

Despite that, Jacel said she will continue to fight for her father's dream of reclaiming Sabah.

“Whatever my father started, he left for us to continue. We should not falter. He’s a great man, a good man. He was priceless. All he wanted was, in his right time, be allowed by Allah to reclaim Sabah for the Filipinos. We’ll be the ones to continue that,” she reportedly said.

Jamalul's remains is expected to be buried within 24 hours in Jolo, Sulu.

On February 9, Jamalul sent a group of his followers to Kampung Tanduo di Lahad Datu, Sabah to reclaim the state, which he strongly believes belongs to the Sulu people in Philippines.

Several shootouts broke between the national security forces and the group of intruders.

The months-long battles left many, including members of the security forces, dead.