Police Inspector General Tan Sri Ismail Omar disclosed this as he reassured the public security in Lahad Datu and the situation there is under control as polling day on May 5 nears, a report by state-run Bernama news agency late Thursday said.
“Asked about a report that 35 Kiram terrorists were shot dead by Philippine security forces while trying to enter Malaysian waters, Ismail said that Zulkifeli will confirm the report with his Philippine counterpart,” the Bernama report said.
Zulikfeli had been quoted in a report by Malaysia’s The Star Online indicating 35 “Sulu militants” were killed while trying to enter Sabah.
He claimed the incident occurred Wednesday when Philippine Navy and Coast Guard forces fired at the 35. The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard denied monitoring such an incident.
Also, the report quoted him as citing intelligence reports that the group tried to enter Sabah to disrupt the May 5 polls.
Meanwhile, Ismail said Ops Daulat, the offensive operation against Kiram followers that started March 5, has not yet ended.
“Operation Daulat has not ended. Apart from Sabah Police, we can dispatch men from peninsula when needed,” he said.
He added security forces are stationed in certain locations to prevent “terrorists” from disrupting the elections. — LBG, GMA News
