The Philippine Territory

 

Hundreds of armed men who claimed to be from the Moro National Liberation Front attacked several cities in Zamboanga this morning.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said operations are on full alert following the attack.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and at the same time we are coordinating our safety and security measures on our end," he said.

Mohammad also denied claims by the Philippine media that the MNLF had mobilised 4,000 fighters embedded in Sabah and Sarawak.

According to the Phillipine Star, the fighters were being mobilised to protect southern Filipinos following a crackdown by Malaysian authorities against illegal immigrants.

The MNLF led by former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao governor Nur Misuari launched the offensive in Zamboanga this morning, according to reports from the Philippine media.

At least six people were killed, dozens injured and hundreds of people stranded in hotspots where there have been gunfights in the city where schools and offices were ordered closed.

Read more: UPDATED: Malaysian security forces on high alert following Zamboanga crisis - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/font-color-red-updated-font-malaysian-security-forces-on-high-alert-following-zamboanga-crisis-1.352303?cache=03%2F7.198169%2F7.207977%2F7.207361%2F7.207361%3Fkey%3Dmalaysia%2F7.281797%2F7.478578#ixzz2eRC3hUER