Kiram camp claims International Court of Justice reps denied access to Lahad Datu

At least three representatives of the International Court of Justice arrived in Sabah but were allegedly denied access to the area where operations are ongoing against the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, the sultan's camp said on Saturday. Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani cited "reliable sources" who said the ICJ representatives are there for "information-gathering." "Bakit hindi sila pinapayagan ng Malaysian government?" he said in an interview on radio dzBB. "Sa dahilan siguro laging pinagtatakpan ang katotohanan," he added. Malaysian forces are hunting down a group of Kiram followers led by the sultan's brother Azzimudie. Azzimudie's group had engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff that led to a series of deadly encounters starting March 1. Meanwhile, Idjirani said Azzimudie remained safe as of Saturday morning, but had to keep his communications with them limited. "Tumawag siya mga bandang 7:08 a.m., sila ay nasa mabuting condition (pero) hindi kami nakapagusap nang matagal, ayaw natin matunton ang location," he said. He also said Malaysian forces had sustained their assault in the area where Azzimudie and his men are believed to be hiding. "Sa awa ng Panginoon naiiwasan pa rin nila," Idjirani said. - VVP, GMA News