AMID reports of massive killings and abuse of Filipinos in Sabah by Malaysian authorities Makabayan senatorial bet Teddy Casiño called on the Malaysian government to stop its crackdown on Filipinos in Sabah and they should respect and uphold international humanitarian law (IHL).
“It is obvious that Malaysian authorities are targeting not just the forces of Kiram but civilians as well. The Malaysian government should respect Filipinos especially civilians in Sabah. We are civilized nations and we should act as such,” Casiño added.
Based on media reports there are some 400 Filipinos who fled Lahad Datu, Semporna, Tawau and Kunak in Sabah for Sulu as the violence sparked by the intrusion of the followers of Jamalul into the eastern Malaysian state spread at the start of the week.
“Malaysian authorities seem to be hunting Filipinos in Sabah and this has to be stopped. Malaysia is supposed to be our partner is promoting peace in Mindanao but now they are slaughtering our people,” Casiño said earlier after Prime Minister Najib Razak refused to call for a ceasefire.
“It is also high time that the United Nations should step into this crisis before more blood is shed. Dialogue is the key to settling this dispute and all parties should bring their case on the negotiating table or the ICJ.
Last week Casiño filed House Resolution 3043 which calls for the raising of the Sabah claim to the International Court of Justice.
“The Philippine government should also send a stronger representation on our claim to Sabah. But what is most important now is for the crackdown on Filipinos to stop,” ended Casiño.
Casiño also filed House Resolution 3042 which seeks to investigate Aquino’s mishandling and undermining of the Philippine claim on Sabah.