Over 100 Filipinos leave Sabah

MANILA, Philippines – About 100 to 200 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines from Sabah due to the recent breakout of hostilities there, Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said.

“More or less 200 have arrived here from Sabah,” Sahali said Thursday in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

The refugees used their own vessels to return to Sibutu and Simunul municipalities which are some six hours away, he said.

Violence in Sabah erupted after three weeks of tense standoff between the Malaysian security forces and the Sulu “royal army” that sailed there to reclaim what they say is their rightful territory.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.