Stringent security action plan to secure sea borders, says Turtle Islands Mayor
KOTA KINABALU: A more stringent integrated security action plan has been imposed in the neighbouring Municipality of Turtle Islands (Taganak) in Tawi-Tawi province to secure sea borders against kidnappings and other crossborder criminal activities.
Its Mayor Faizal Jamalul said the action plan involved units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) , Civilian Auxiliary Groups, and the Local Government Units (LGUs).
In an interview, Faizal said the action plan was designed to effectively combat the enemies of the country and that of Malaysia particularly Sabah amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the forthcoming Philippine general elections next year.
Filipino political observers/ analysts and the military including the public noticed crimes like kidnapping, illegal smuggling, illegal drugs distributions, terrorism acts and other criminal activities increase in the months leading up to an election exercise in the Philippines.
Hence, the Filipino populace urge their government to beef up security nationwide ahead of the official filing of certificate of candidacy in October for obvious reason.
Concerned and protective of the welfare and interest of his constituents and the people in Western Mindanao as well as Malaysians, Faizal assured that his administration will continue to do its utmost with or without threats.
The Mayor stressed that the security action plan will also see closer cooperation with Malaysian counterparts in terms of sharing of intelligence information and proper coordination during sea crossborder operations.
"Presently, two Philippine Navy vessels are deployed at the border between TawiTawi and Sabah. One vessel is stationary infront of Turtle Islands," Faizal said adding that his administration has already set up a 'Bantay Border Patrol' team to help guard the coastal areas in its six islands.
Faizal said he plans to pay a courtesy call on Sabah Chief
Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to brief Sabah of the security measures taken by Turtle Island which is just an hour's boat ride from Sandakan.
"My people and TawiTawians love our brothers and sisters in Sabah and harmonious relationships must be further enhanced in the name of progress, developments, and peace for humanity."
During the planned courtesy call, he said he will also seek permission from the Sabah Government to give a certain quota (number of people) for my fishermen to sell/deliver daily catch in Sandakan and for food provision purposes.
"We will appreciate if a special pass (day trip) be granted to our fisher folks/agricultural farmers, /small traders with my recommendation/ approval," he said adding that a visit to other authorities like POIC Chairman/Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Yong Teck Lee is also important to discuss issues relating to barter trade activities.
"As president of the Zambasulta Traders Association, I am more than willing to work with Sabah to promote Malaysian products in our region."
On the ongoing National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, Faizal said he will propose to Governor Yshmail Sali to immediately launch an information drive calling Filipinos in Sabah to actively take part in the exercise.
"We will ask our people here to remind their relatives in Sabah to have themselves vaccinated during the yearlong exercise," he assured adding that the information is now ongoing in the six islands of Taganak.
According to him, individuals entering the municipality with documents will undergo intensive interrogation while those found without the Covid-19 certificate will be quarantined.
Turtle Island and the entire Tawi-Tawi is now Covid-19 free.
People in the municipality continue to be vigilant especially in the fight against heinous crimes and carriers of Covid-19.