Manila looking into video clip of flag burning incident

KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippine government is looking into the incident of the public burning of the Jalur Gemilang in the Philippines that was featured in a video clip, the Philippine Embassy here said yesterday.

It said in a statement the authorities in Manila would deal with the matter accordingly.

“The embassy does not condone the incident and regrets that the incident has offended the feelings of Malaysians.

“The embassy reassured that it is firmly committed to the development of the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia,” it said.

According to the statement, the flag-burning incident was committed by a person who was known to have done many controversial things in the past and his action did not represent the country’s official position.

The video posted in the Facebook account of “President Pamatong Supporters” on Jan 19 and 21, which showed Elly Pamatong, who has been described as the self-proclaimed founder of the United States Allied Freedom Fighters of the East, burning the Jalur Gemilang.

In Kota Kinabalu, the Association of Sabah People’s Volunteer Corps members has condemned the flag burning incident.

Its president, Brig Gen (Hon) Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said said the flag burning was an outrageous act and an insult to Malaysia and its citizens.

“We don’t want the incident to tarnish the good ties between Malaysia and the Philippines.”