1985 Lahad Datu ambush
1985 Lahad Datu ambush | |
---|---|
Part of Moro Pirates from the Southern Philippines | |
Motive | Robbery |
The 1985 Lahad Datu ambush was a series of robberies and
Background
Most areas in the east coast of Sabah are known for many
While I was walking around a coastal road, I saw eight men dressed in combat uniforms carrying
machine guns running towards the centre of the town. Gunfire was then heard with men running towards me. I then hid in a cafe with the proprietor, huddled under a table and heard the continuous gunshots and explosions. I thought the town was under attack by the Philippine Army. Suddenly, I heard a bullet crashing the window and saw my leg was hit with it. I saw images of my wife and three children and I thought I would never see them again. But later I consider myself fortunate because I lived to see my family. But even so, I cannot help wondering about our government, which can't seem to defend us against these marauders.[2]
The instability of the Philippines has caused major economic problems for Sabah. Philippine army raids against anti-Ferdinand Marcos factions in the Sulu and Mindanao islands have left many houses and fields destroyed, forcing an estimated 100,000 Moro people in the Southern Philippines to flee to Sabah.[2] While many who have not left the Philippine islands have involved themselves in criminal activities, mainly on smuggling and armed robbery.[2]
Aftermath
After their successful attack, the pirates later retreated to a jetty where they engaged a group of
Reactions
- Malaysia – The Malaysian Government denied the allegations of a retaliatory attack to a Filipino island with both the Malaysian and Philippine governments hinting that an unnamed third party was responsible for the incident.[2]
- Philippines – The Philippine Government protested the actions of the Malaysian Marine Police during the pursuit of the pirates to the international border, saying the Malaysian police had breached the borders of the Philippines.[4] However, this allegation was retracted since there was no concrete proof.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Lahad Datu Recalls Its Blackest Monday". New Straits Times. 24 September 1987. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Masayuki Doi (30 October 1985). "Filipino pirates wreak havoc in a Malaysian island paradise". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ Clement Jaikul (19 February 2014). "Thoughts on Sabah's piracy problem". The Star. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ a b c d Ramli Dollah (9 December 2004). "Lanun atau Mundu di Sabah" (PDF) (in Malay). University of Malaya. pp. 176 and 178 (6 and 8). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ Spokane Chronicle. 30 September 1985. Retrieved 30 October 2014.