Kiram follower stumbles into security forces, surrenders —report

A follower of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III surrendered to Malaysian security forces late Monday after stumbling on them in Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency reported early Tuesday. The incident, which was confirmed by Malaysian Army chief Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, occurred at 5 p.m. Monday in a swampy area of Tanjung Batu, where Malaysian security forces were conducting mopping-up operations. According to the Bernama report, the Kiram follower tried to flee, but was caught after a brief chase. Still, two armored vehicles were brought into the area as Malaysian forces were wary the surrender was a ruse to lure them into an ambush. The Kiram follower was turned over to the elite Royal Malaysian Police unit VAT69 for "further action," including interrogation in a temporary lockup facility. Bernama said at least 67 Kiram followers had been killed since Malaysian forces started offensive operations in the area March 5. — DVM, GMA News