PH continues to press for maximum tolerance

The Philippines will continue to pursue its appeals to Malaysia to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Sabah amid the ongoing conflict between Malaysian forces and the followers of the sultan of Sulu.

"We will continue to press for maximum tolerance. We will continue to press for the requests that we've already made. We will continue to explore all other avenues," Undersecretary Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

"We will keep pressing for the full access that we had earlier requested, to be able to have access to those who are there, to treat the wounded, and to be able to ferry anybody who wishes to come home."

The Philippine government had requested that Malaysian authorities exercise "maximum tolerance" in dealing with the Sulu sultanate's forces. The following day, however, Malaysia launched airstrikes targeting them.

The Philippines also asked that a humanitarian ship be allowed to dock in Lahad Datu to provide assistance to Filipinos caught up in the conflict.

So far, the requests continue to be under the Malaysian government's consideration in light of the security situation in Sabah, Valte said.

In the meantime, she said the governmen continues to provide assistance to the families of the Sulu sultanate's followers.

Palace not ignoring Kiram's concerns

President Aquino had no intention of ignoring the concerns of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III on the Sabah claim, one of his spokesperson said.

Valte said that in 2011, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process spoke to the Kirams.

The Kirams were also present in Malacanang during the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, she added.

Valte also reiterated that Kiram's forces should return the Philippines first before he dialogues with them.

Not siding with Malaysia

Valte refuted Nur Misuari's statement that the President is siding with Malaysia and mishandled the Sabah crisis.

"He expressed his concern for the welfare of the 800,000 Filipinos who are already there. From the beginning, it is clear that the President has always been looking out for the interests of the nation and not just a particular set of people."-ABS-CBN News (March 06, 2013 4:44PM)