Kiram asks Aquino: Help us, not the Malaysians

Sultan Jamalul Kiram lll speaks during a news conference at his house in Maharlika Village, Taguig City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Sultan Jamalul Kiram on Friday called on President Benigno Aquino III to help them, not the Malaysians

“Tulungan nyo naman kami. Ang nakikita ko, ang tinutulungan nya ay hindi ang Pilipino. I am just surprised,” Kiram said at a press conference aired over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Kiram made the call following the firefight that broke out between his supporters and Malaysian forces in Lahad Datu early Friday morning.

Instead of helping his fellow Filipinos, Kiram asked why the government was instead considering the filing of criminal case against him.

“Dapat tulungan nila kami. Hindi kami ang kakasuhan,” Kiram said, adding that he preferred talking personally to President Aquino instead of an emissary on how to resolve the situation in Lahad Datu.

Kiram reiterated that he and his family were pressing for the ownership of Sabah based ‘‘on historical truth.”

He also expressed dismay over the “studies” being conducted by the Philippine government over the legality of their claim on Sabah.

“Study ng study. Gusto kaming paalisin sa lugar na aming pag-aari,” he said.