MANILA, Philippines—Malaysia placed its sea borders under security alert on Monday after Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members attacked Zamboanga City—only 460 kilometers away from Sabah.
In a report by The Star Online, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) director general Datuk Mohammad said that the military has been put on high alert and ordered to boost security measures to strengthen Malaysia’s sea borders as they monitor the developments of the Zamboanga standoff.
“We have informed our security and defense to be on the alert and Esscom is also coordinating with security forces following the incident,” he said.
The security alarm was for fear that Muslim rebels led by MNLF founder Nur Misuari might flee to Sabah in case they are pursued by government troops.
In February, clashes erupted in Sabah following the landing of over 200 armed followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, the Sultanate of Sulu, who has been claiming ownership of Sabah. The clashes left 68 Filipinos and 10 Malaysian security personnel dead.