Sulu sultanate's claim over Sabah 'for entire nation'

MANILA, Philippines - The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo on Monday slammed President Benigno Aquino III for saying that the incursion into Sabah was triggered by the self-interest of the sultanate and for not considering the welfare of the 800,000 Filipinos now working in Sabah.

“Ito na lang ang puwede niyang sabihin para ilihis ang issue. Ang gusto ni Sultan Jamalul Kiram III ay magkaroon ng personal legacy. Kung may personal claim, it must still redound to the Filipino people. If that is a personal interest, the Sultan’s intention is to establish a legacy for the people of Sulu and the entire nation,” said the Sultanate’s spokesman Abraham Idjirani.

“What is wrong with personal interest if you think of the entire nation?” Idjirani added.

Speaking on Sunday at the graduation of the Philippine Military Academy Padang Kalis Calss 2013, the President affirmed the country's claim on Sabah, but stood firm that his administration would pursue it through dialog and diplomacy similar to its handling of the dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

Idjirani added that the President’s statement shows his lack of understanding of the Sabah issue.

“Pag ang isang tao may lack of understanding, kung anu-ano ang sasabihin niya. For a leader to really understand the situation, one must have an insight of the history of the territory. Lalo na 'yung territories na may legal and historical connections sa mga citizens niya,” said Idjirani.

As to the President’s offer of dialog, Idjirani said the Sultanate remains open to a peaceful negotiation.

“Open pa rin anytime sa dialog ang Sultanate,” he said.

Idjirani, however, stressed that the Sultanate remains skeptic of the President’s offer of negotiation.

“If someone says something, he must mean it. We have to ask his advisers,” he said.

Idjirani said the arrest of the 38 Royal Sultanate Force in Tawi-Tawi also ran counter to the government’s offer of negotiation.

“Negotiation is accepted pero ano ang ginawa nila sa 36 na intercepted? They filed cases. Ito ba ay confidence building measures nila. May doubt kami sa actions ng government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Idjirani said Raja Muda Agbimudding Kiram remains in Sabah with only 168 fighters remaining.

Idjirani said the Raja Muda, with the Sultanate’s declaration of the lifting of cessation of hostilities is now on a “guerilla warfare status.”

“They have gone on guerilla warfare. That is the only way to survive,” he said.