PHL asks Malaysia to clarify reports of police brutality vs Filipinos in Sabah

Expressing grave concern over the matter, the Philippines on Sunday asked Malaysia to clarify reports that Filipinos of Suluk and Tausug descent in Lahad Datu in Sabah were being rounded up and subjected to human rights violations. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other relevant agencies to document these reports "so that appropriate actions could be taken." "The Department urges the Malaysian government to take steps to clarify these alleged incidents," it said. "The allegations are alarming and should be properly and immediately addressed by concerned authorities," it added. It also reiterated its call to the Malaysian government to give Philippine Embassy officials and the Philippine humanitarian/consular team dispatched to Lahad Datu and nearby areas full access to the Filipinos being held “in several locations in Sabah but outside the ‘Ops Daulat’ area.” "This will enable them to fulfill their mission to provide humanitarian and consular assistance to Filipinos who have been affected by the incident," the DFA added. Malaysian forces are conducting operations to flush out followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III following deadly encounters since March 1. "We reiterate our call on the Malaysian government to give humane treatment to the Filipinos under their custody," the DFA said. Malacañang's 'telenovela' mentality Meanwhile, a Malaysian blogger who organized a peaceful action of bringing flowers to the Philippine embassy last Friday scored Malacañang for raising the issue of alleged brutality suffered by Filipinos in Malaysia. "Obviously Malacañang and Filipino congregation are against violence of our Malaysians, right? But it's okay when Malaysians die?" blogger Joseph Lee said on Twitter. "So never mind that intruders come into OUR country and shoot up our people. We don't have a right to defend ourselves?" he added. He also said Kiram's followers had been given ample time to clear out but chose not to, and insisted they'd rather die. "Please stop demonizing Malaysians. Realize the root of the problem and how the killing started. Enough lives have been lost," he said. "If Malacañang and certain political quarters law blame on Malaysians for defending our own country," he added.  "And defend intruders who have clearly trespassed & killed on our soil.. then my heart goes out to Filipinos who hope for real leadership." Lee even hinted at a telenovela mentality by Malacañang to "think the oppressors are oppressed." "Too much telenovelas. Even Malacañang are such drama queens to think the oppressors are oppressed," he said. "And that's why kids, you should stay away from TV. Not just the violent sort, but the brain-rotting telenovelas penned by drama queens," he added. Lee said Malacañang should "do some good and put out orders for Kirams to stand trial for the crimes they've committed and stop the armed intrusion." "Philippines and Malaysia both have more pressing issues to address about their country and people than a bunch of greedy savages," he added. — LBG, GMA News