NDRRMC: Nearly 5,000 Pinoys fled Sabah after clashes

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said nearly 5,000 people have fled Sabah and sought refuge in Mindanao as of Holy Saturday. On its 6:00 a.m. update, the NDRRMC said 944 families (or 4,983 people) have sought refuge in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa). Of the 4,983 displaced persons, 2,903 were adults and 2,080 were children, it added. This was more than the 4,721 people recorded last Thursday. In Saturday's update, the NDRRMC said the Department of Health has mobilized P1,142,185.85 worth of medical supplies for the displaced persons. Seven medical teams were deployed to the area to provide medical services to them, it added. Many Filipinos had fled Sabah in past weeks to escape the conflict between Malaysian security forces and followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. The Malaysian security forces started offensive operations against the Kiram followers March 5, following deadly clashes last March 1 and 2. Royal sultanate forces Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said the 38 members of the so-called Royal Sultanate Forces who were arrested last March 13 were detained at Camp Juan Magluyan, the Philippine Navy camp in Batu-Batu in Tawi-Tawi. The 38 had been charged with illegal possession of firearms, election gun ban violation and inciting to war, the NDRRMC said. - VVP, GMA News