ESSCom to ‘stop at nothing’ to block militant group from entering state

KOTA KINABALU – The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) will stop at nothing to thwart attempts by Abu Sayyaf militants, who are fleeing from the military crackdown against them in southern Philippines, to enter Sabah, said ESSCom commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman.

He said the agency will remain vigilant against threats from across the border, given that it is difficult to end militancy insurgency in southern Philippines.

“A new group or splinter faction will usually form each time the authorities crush a militant group.

Abu Sayyaf groups are always looking to flee to Sabah to escaped armed conflict with Philippine military forces, who have been instructed by President Rodrigo Duterte to mount a full attack against the militants, Fuad told The Vibes.

ESSCom is the country’s authoritative agency overseeing security in the porous Sabah east coast region.

ESSCom secures the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which comprises Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau, covering 1,400km of coastal area.

ESSZone is closest to southern Philippines and travel to the area could take just minutes from smaller islands near the Malaysia-Philippines border.

Threats from Abu Sayyaf involving kidnapping for ransom will continue to exist as there are constant replenishments to its followers, passing the baton down from father to child and child to grandchild, said Fuad.

“Ransom money from kidnapping activities are indeed lucrative, and militant groups could easily raise huge funds in a short time.

“This source of funds is what sustains this terror group, letting them buy guns and pursue other logistical activities,” said Fuad.

He added that targeted attacks by Malaysian and Philippine security forces on the cell group near the Malaysia-Philippines border have proven to have been effective, and have put a stop to cross-border crimes, but only temporarily.

Meanwhile, Fuad said ESSCom has just launched two operations to halt the entry of illegal immigrants into Sabah via hidden trails.

Fuad said 43 masterminds have been arrested and they are now in the process of being charged in court. – The Vibes, February 25, 2021