MNLF, Sulu sultanate fighters engage in guerrilla warfare in Sabah

MANILA, Philippines - Almost 1,161 fighters of the Sultanate of Sulu and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are now engaged in guerrilla warfare against Malaysian security forces in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Abraham Idjirani, sultanate spokesman, said the royal security force under Agbimuddin Kiram were ordered to remain in a defensive posture until the unilateral ceasefire that the Sultanate of Sulu has declared is lifted.

“They are now employing guerrilla tactics,” he said. “They are not on the run as the Malaysian forces are not pursuing them. There is now a lull in the fighting.”

Idjirani said the date of the lifting of the ceasefire will be set after a meeting between the sultanate’s council of shariffs and top commanders of the MNLF in Zamboanga City today.

Hajib Mujaha Hashim, MNLF Islamic Command Council chairman, will chair the meeting, he added.

Idjirani said the fighters are on ceasefire mode following the call of the United Nations for sobriety.

Malaysian forces are also not making any moves against them, he added.

Idjirani said the Sultanate of Sulu is prepared to talk with the Malaysians based on the call of the UN.

“We are assuring the Filipino people that we are not initiating any moves against the Malaysian forces,” he said.