PNP, Navy focus patrols in Mindanao to thwart Sabah-bound Kiram supporters

From GMA News (Mar 19): PNP, Navy focus patrols in Mindanao to thwart Sabah-bound Kiram supporters

The Philippine National Police and Philippine Navy are focusing their patrols in four areas in Mindanao to prevent supporters of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III from sneaking into Sabah.

Units from the PNP Maritime Group and the Navy are coordinating patrols in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, and the Zamboanga Peninsula, radio dzBB's Manny Vargas reported.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said that they did not want new groups of Kiram supporters to add to the clashes in Sabah.

Cerbo added they would thoroughly inspect vessels going to and from those areas. They would especially be on the lookout for firearms and weapons.

Since March 5, Malaysian security forces have been conducting offensive operations in Lahad Datu in Sabah to flush out Kiram's followers, following deadly clashes last March 1 and 2.

Malaysia has rejected Sultan Kiram's offer of a unilateral ceasefire and instead demanded the unconditional surrender of Kiram's followers.

Meanwhile, the clashes in Sabah had prompted many Filipinos living there to flee to Mindanao.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/299896/news/nation/pnp-navy-focus-patrols-in-mindanao-to-thwart-sabah-bound-kiram-supporters