Security forces on alert over revenge attacks by Abu Sayyaf — Jazlan

JOHOR BAHRU: Security forces in Sabah have been placed on alert to face a possibility of revenge attacks by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, following the killing of one of their leaders in the waters off Semporna, Sabah on Dec 8.

Home Deputy Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said he did not rule out the possibility the group would launch such attacks on the country’s security forces to seek vengeance.

“For instance, there were rumours they (Abu Sayyaf terrorists) would launch attacks for the release of their captured leaders last year, following the Lahad Datu intrusion, but that didn’t happen as the security was heightened.

“Therefore, in this case, we (the authorities) will be on alert for any of their counter-attacks,” he told reporters at the handingover of aid to Kuan Yin Welfare Association here yesterday.

Nur Jazlan said currently, Malaysian, Indonesian and the Philippine authorities were waiting to launch effective action to curb the criminal activities by the group in the waters off the three countries.

“I urge the villagers not to be in cahoots (with the terrorist group),” he added.

On Dec 9, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun disclosed that Malaysian security forces had thwarted a kidnap attempt (by a group from southern Philippines) when three of seven suspects were shot dead by the General Operations Force (GOF) in waters off Pulau Gaya.

It was reported that two others were detained while another two managed to escape.

The kidnappers had abducted two boat skippers in waters off Bekapit, Lahad Datu.

One of them was rescued and the other went missing with the two kidnappers.

Meanwhile, on police investigations into 20 nongovernmental organisations (NGO) for allegedly receiving funds from individuals and organisations abroad, Nur Jazlan said the investigations did not disrupt the operations of the NGOs.

“They are free to carry out (their) activities and we have never frozen their accounts.

So, this (investigation) issue should not be exaggerated by the NGOs under investigation.

“If they’re not guilty, why must (they) feel scared unless these NGOs certainly have elements of doubt, that’s why they’re worried,” he noted. — Bernama