No gun battle has been reported in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, in the last 24 hours, four days after security forces launched an offensive against Sulu militants.
In fact, top police and military officers had time for Friday prayers and 'sunat hajat' prayers with about 200 Muslims at Masjid Al-Hudah, Felda Sahabat 16.
Felda Sahabat 16, the headquarters of security forces in Op Daulat is located about 20 km from Kampung Tanduo which became the fortress for Sulu militants since February 12.
Day four Op Daulat Friday involves the use of helicopters to ferry security forces to locations in search operation while fighter jets hover in the skies.
Since there are no signs that the Sulu militant group would disarm unconditionally, security forces continue the hunt for the remaining militants.
The situation in Lahad Datu has returned to normal with the people starting their daily routine.
"After the gun battle in Kampung Tanjung Batu (about 15 km from Felda Sahabat 16) at 11.30am Thursday which killed 31 militants, there is no indication they want to lay down arms," Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar told a joint press conference with Armed Forces Chief, Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin in Felda Sahabat 16 Friday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who inspected the Op Daulat headquarters in Felda Sahabat Thursday said
During the operation by security forces since February 1, police arrested 79 people suspected to be linked with the intrusion in Lahad Datu.
Ismail told a press conference this afternoon over 50 people were detained under the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) that was enforced last year.
"They were arrested under the new act and read together with several section of the Penal Code," he said.
Najib who went to ground zero Thursday and announced the establishment of a Special Security Area for Kudat, Tawau, Kunak, Sandakan and Lahad Datu has given the people confidence about safety on the Sabah east coast.
On Tuesday, security forces launched air strikes using F18 and Hawk fighter jets to end the intrusion by Sulu militants since February 12.
So far, 52 militants had been killed since the intrusion in Kapung Tanduo, about 130 km from Lahad Datu town.
Eight police officers were also killed, two in a gun battle in Kampung Tanduo on March 1 and six more in an ambush in Kampung Sri Jaya, Simunul, Semporna the next day.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=505306
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