Malaysian cops say 3 Sabah areas under control; man linked to ambush beaten to death

Malaysian police on Sunday afternoon claimed three areas where clashes occurred between them and Filipino followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III during the weekend are now under control.

This developed as a man believed involved in an ambush that killed five policemen in Kampung Sri Jaya in Siminul in Semporna Saturday night was beaten to death by villagers.

"The security situation in three areas where the security forces are holding off Filipino armed intruders is under control - IGP Ismail Omar," state-run Bernama news agency quoted Malaysian police Inspector General Tan Sri Haji Ismail Bin Haji Omar as saying.

On Saturday night, at least five policemen were killed in an ambush by armed men in Kampung Sri Jaya in Simunul in Semporna in Sabah.

Last Friday, several Filipinos were killed along with two Malaysian commandos in a shootout at Kampung Tanduo, 130 km from Lahad Datu.

Meanwhile, a report on Bernama said at 7 a.m. villagers beat to death a man armed with an M-16 rifle who was believed involved in the ambush that killed five policemen.

According to the Bernama report, the man was "big" and dressed in black, and climbed down a hill and fired some shots toward the village, allegedly shouting, "I'm the one who shot the police last night."

He allegedly kicked open the doors of the houses and had the villagers gather at a vacant area, but was beaten up when he squatted to light a cigarette and put down his rifle.

The Bernama report said the man was beaten to death and his body placed under a tree in the village.

A separate report on Malaysia's The Star said the man was a 60-year-old former Moro National Liberation Front commander, and was beaten by 20 youths.

Meanwhile, police Inspector General Tan Sri Ismail Omar said there is no information yet about Kiram's followers taking hostages.

Kiram's camp had claimed capturing four Malaysian officials. — BM, GMA News