MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA) said today that the standoff between Malaysian authorities and followers of the Sulu Sultan is over following the surrender of 10 members of the royal army of Sulu.
Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez said Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Mohd Zamri Mohd Kassim relayed this information to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in a meeting today afternoon in Manila.
Local media reports said the Malaysian envoy also informed del Rosario that Malaysian authorities had attacked the town of Lahad Datu in Sabah where the followers of Sulu Sutan Jamalul Kiram III were encamped.
"Ambassador Kassim informed Secretary del Rosario that two were killed and one was wounded from the Malaysian police after their vehicle was fired upon by followers of the Sulu Sultan," said Hernandez in a press briefing.
He said the Philippine government is still validating reports that 10 members of the royal army of Sulu were killed and four others were injured.
Hernandez said the leader of the group Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and other members of the royal army of Sulu escaped toward the sea.
He said the Philippine government had requested Malaysia to allow its Navy ship BRP Tagbanua to treat wounded Filipinos and bring back those who want to return to their homes.
The Philippines is also asking Malaysia to allow consular assistance to those who are still in the area.
Hernandez said the Philippine government had requested Malaysia to provide a full briefing of its operations.