PHL assures Filipino-Malaysian community in E. Sabah gov't. working to ensure their safety

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur appealed Tuesday to the Filipino-Malaysian community in the eastern coast of Sabah to remain calm and assured them that the government is working with concerned authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.

"Remain calm and abide by the guidelines issued by local authorities," Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya said in a statement.

"We feel and understand the anxieties felt by many of you at these difficult times. The Embassy will work with concerned authorities to ensure your safety and well-being. This is not the time to undertake any action that might be misunderstood by some parties," he said.

The Embassy issued this appeal to community members in light of tensions in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak.

Malaya said he and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose Brilliantes met with Malaysian Defense Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Home Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein in Lahad Datu Monday afternoon to explore ways to achieve a peaceful resolution to the incident in Lahad Datu.

Malaya and Brilliantes are on a consular humanitarian mission in Sabah. (PNA)