Sabah attack leader dies

MANILA, Philippines - The crown prince of the sultanate of Sulu, Agbimmudin Kiram, who led the attack on Lahad Datu in a failed attempt to reclaim Sabah from Malaysia two years ago, died of a heart ailment at his residence in Simunol, Tawi-Tawi yesterday. He was 74.

Tawi-Tawi provincial police director Senior Superintendent Joselito Salido, citing reports from the sultanate’s Royal Security Force, said Kiram died around 9 a.m.

Abraham Idjirani, secretary general and spokesman for the Sulu sultanate, confirmed Kiram’s death, saying he suffered a heart attack. 

“It was an instant death,” Idjirani said, adding that the Sulu sultanate is grateful for the condolences extended to the family of Kiram. 

Idjirani said Phungkal, Kiram’s younger brother, would succeed as crown prince of the sultanate.

Kiram led more than 200 sultanate fighters in the attack on Lahad Datu in March 2013 that left dozens of its forces and at least two Malaysian policemen dead and scores others wounded.     – With Edith Regalado