Sulu Sultanate: The Raja Muda is safe

MANILA, Philippines - Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and the remaining members of the Royal Sulu Army in Sabah are safe, the sultanate's spokesperson said Friday.

"Malayo iyong bombahan sa position ni Raja Muda. He and his men are safe," said Abraham Idjirani, spokesperson of the sultanate, amid speculations that Agbimuddin was the "general" of the royal army killed by Malaysian forces during airstrikes on Thursday.

Idjirani, meanwhile, confirmed that 32 people were killed by Malaysian forces on Thursday but claimed that the fatalities were civilians.

Malaysian authorities had also said that more than 50 members of the sultanate have been killed since last week.

Idjirani said the bombardment on the position of the Raja Muda continued even if the Sultanate of Sulu had declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities on Thursday afternoon.

“Tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang bombahan,” he said. The bombardment started at about 3 a.m., he added.

Idjirani also denied a claim by Malacanang that the men who joined the Royal Sulu Army in Sabah were paid $600 each.

“That is not true,” said Idjirani.

He added that Sultan Jamalul Kiram III is prepared to be arrested should the Department of Justice orders it.

“He will not run. He is already an old man. Wala na tayong magagawa pa kung yun ang gusto nila,” said Idjirani.