Amid protests, Makati cops assure situation at Malaysian embassy manageable

Police reassured the public Thursday the situation at the Malaysian Embassy in Makati City remains manageable, amid plans by some groups to stage protests there due to the ongoing conflict between followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and Malaysian security forces.

 

Makati City police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban Jr. said he has deployed a "sufficient" number of personnel to Tordesillas Street to guard the embassy, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

 

The report said the police personnel have instructions to adopt a maximum tolerance policy in dealing with protesters.

 

Earlier this week, left-leaning groups staged protests at the embassy criticizing Malaysia's "all-out" policy in dealing with Kiram's followers.

 

Malaysia had adopted an all-out approach in going after Kiram's followers following deadly clashes in Sabah last March 1 and 2.

 

Last Tuesday, Malaysian forces assaulted an area in Lahad Datu in Sabah where Kiram's followers were believed to be hiding.

 

The dzBB report said the Makati City police are not discounting the possibility that some groups may still stage protests at the embassy while the tension in Sabah lingers. —KG, GMA News