A 19th century flag of the Sultanate of Sulu |
Former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal’s official
reminders to Great Britain that Sabah belonged to the Sultan of Sulu and by
extension to the Philippine government just fell on deaf ears when that country
included Sabah in the Malaysian Federation in 1963. President Ferdinand Marcos who
succeeded Macapagal made a drastic move to take Sabah by secretly training
Tausug recruits in a secluded island in Corregidor to infiltrate the disputed
territory. The plan failed when the recruits knew of their mission and mutinied.
To cover the plot, their military trainers gunned them down. However, one recruit
was able to escape by floating and swimming in Manila Bay. The privilege speech
of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr in the senate revealed the incident which was termed “The
Jabidah Massacre”. The report so incensed the Filipino Muslims that it sparked
their rebellion in the 70’s.
One of the early sultans of Sulu (second from right, sitting) (Photo from Wikipedia) |
The armed conflict that followed came with a big cost to the
Philippine government. The fighting
lasted almost two decades and claimed more than 100,000 lives of soldiers, Moro
rebels and Christian and Muslim civilians. It also displaced millions of people
in Mindanao and worsened the incidence of poverty in the already economically
depressed affected areas.
It is believed that Malaysia
added fuel to the fire of the conflict in Mindanao. Sabah Malaysia was used as
a safe refuge of Filipino rebels taking a respite from the fighting. It was
also used as a training ground for Filipino Muslim rebels and a point where
arms and ammunition were smuggled to different landing areas in southern Philippines.
The escape of some Filipino Muslims from the conflict
in the 70’s have increased the number of Sulu immigrants to Sabah which is just
an hour of boat ride from the nearest islands of Tawi-tawi in Mindanao.
Moreover, the Sabah government’s process of aggressive Islamization
deliberately encouraged the immigration of Filipino, Indonesian and even
Pakistani Muslims into Sabah. From 37.9% of Muslims in 1960, Sabah’s Muslims are
now 65.4% of the total population.
The recent conflict in Sabah started when the Sulu Royal
Army of the Sultanate of Sulu landed in Lahad Datu, Sabah on February 12, 2013 purportedly to return to the land that belongs to them. They were given ultimatums by the
Malaysian government to leave the area to prevent violence and bloodshed. The
Philippine government too pleaded to Sultan Jamalul Kiram to order his men to unconditionally
return to the Philippines.
When a peaceful means to resolve the standoff failed, the
Malaysian troops assaulted the Sulu Royal Army’s position resulting to
casualties on both sides with the Sulu Royal army suffering the heavier losses.
Later, fighter jets and artilleries were used to pound the Sulu Royal Army’s
position. Ground troops also surrounded the militants. The death toll now is 61
including eight from the side of the Malaysians.
The United Nations ordered a cessation of hostilities. Sultan
Kiram then took the opportunity to declare a unilateral ceasefire to relieve pressure
on his beleaguered troops. Malaysia however, refused to accept a truce unless Kiram’s
army unconditionally surrenders to the Malaysians.
Despite the continuous bombardments from the Malaysians, the
Kirams say that their army’s command and control group is still safe and sound. And that
most of their fighters know the terrain of the place like the palm of their
hands and that they are protected and provided refuge by the Tausugs who are residents
of the area. It still remains to be seen whether the Malaysian authorities can annihilate
the militants or the later will be able to mount protracted guerrilla warfare
against the Malaysian forces and its government.
The people of Sabah have made it clear they don't want any Sultanate of Sulu to b their leader & they DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF THE PHILIPPINES OR CARRYING A FILIPINO PASSPORT, PERIOD. Let us respect their wish as they have voted in a referendum in 1962. This region is finally seeing peace shining bright on it so lets keep it that way. Both governments have worked hard 2 bring stability 4 the Bangsamoro people. There is no need for war. Please leave us alone Kiram & surrender. No more bloodshed!
ReplyDeleteI Salute those royal Army, they are fighting a good cause but a losing one. If Borneo or Sabah in particular is part of our country, Why then the President is not pushing for its claim. I think this is the right a nd proper time to do so.
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