Malaysian envoy echoes PH wish for peaceful end to Sabah conflict

MANILA, Philippines — Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Mohd Zamri Mohd Kasim reciprocated on Monday, the Philippines’ wishes for a peaceful resolution to the fighting between Malaysian forces and the Sulu Royal Army in Sabah, Vice President Jejomar Binay said.

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The envoy, who visited Binay Monday afternoon, also confirmed that Philippine consular officials were finally allowed to visit Filipinos detained by Malaysian authorities for alleged involvement in the standoff.

“He told me that it is also their wish that there will be a peaceful resolution and said that our consular officials were already able to visit those detained,” Binay told reporters late afternoon on Monday.

Malaysia had initially refused to grant Philippine officials visitation rights to detained Filipinos citing the security situation on the ground. The Philippines reiterated this request last week through the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Binay said he discussed the Sabah situation only briefly with Kasim during the latter’s courtesy call at the Vice President’s residence, the Coconut Palace.

As part of his prayers this Holy Week, Binay hoped for a peaceful resolution to the Sabah conflict.

“I hope it will be resolved because lives are at stake. I hope that peace will be achieved in Mindanao,” Binay told reporters.