Administration's campaign manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon on Monday appealed to both “allies and foes not to politicize†the Sabah standoff and let President Benigno Aquino III and government diplomats handle the situation.
"Let us not jeopardize the safety, security and livelihood of 800,000 Filipinos in Sabah by issuing reckless and incendiary statements,†Drilon told a press briefing at the new campaign headquarters in Makati of the Liberal Party-led administration coalition.
"Let’s not muddle an already complicated situation,†Drilon said, referring to the volatile situation in Sabah.
Drilon said the welfare of Filipinos caught in the firefight that ensued following the standoff is “paramount†to the Aquino administration.
"Rest assured that the president is on top of the situation. Campaign rhetoric should take a backseat so that we can properly address the welfare of 800,000 Filipinos living in Sabah. Already 300 of our countrymen have been deported. We are making this appeal in behalf of our compatriots who are living and earning their living in Malaysia,†he said.