I REFER to the report “Enemy at the gate?” (NST, Sept 24).
I am alarmed that the Philippine army’s offensive in southern Philippines has prompted Filipinos in the area to seek refuge in Sabah. If they can infiltrate Sabah, the security problems caused by the Abu Sayyaf terrorists will escalate to new heights.
I believe that those who have risked their lives to seek sanctuary in Sabah are all Abu Sayyaf terrorists and their supporters. Innocent Filipinos have no reason to fear the government troops.
These people must be apprehended and handed over to the Philippine authority as quickly as possible. This will not only prevent the worsening of security in Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) but will deter Abu Sayyaf and its supporters or sympathisers from coming to Sabah again.
We must tighten security. Reports of kidnappings in eastern Sabah, despite assurances that the security is under control, are reducing our confidence in Esscom.
Lt-Col Robert Rizal Abdullah,
PGB Taiping