Sunday March 3, 2013

Najib: Commandos might have walked into trap

SUBANG JAYA: The Sulu gunmen had used a white flag as a ruse to lure the two special forces commandos who were shot dead, according to a first-hand account.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak disclosed that he had received a report and a first-hand account from one of the VAT 69 commandos who said they had walked into a trap.

“I was told some Sulu gunmen had waved the white flag but when the Malaysian forces moved in, they were fired upon.

“If it is true they (Sulu gunmen) used this tactic, then it's nothing short of cowardly,” he told a press conference after paying his last respects to the two commandos at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here yesterday.

Najib said the time for negotiations was over

“I have already informed Philippine President Benigno Aquino of the shootout with the gunmen.

“I told him that the Government will not consider any claim by the Sulu gunmen. They only have two options surrender or face action by our security forces,” he added.

He said the Government had to be firm in this matter as the gunmen had committed serious offences.

“They trespassed into our country armed with weapons and they killed two of our police personnel while injuring three others ... These are very serious offences.

“For us, there is nothing more to be considered or negotiated,” he said.

When asked on the deadline for the gunmen to surrender, Najib said: “For tactical reasons, I cannot reveal this.”

The Prime Minister also announced that the two commandos killed would be promoted posthumously - Insp Zulkifli Mamat to the post of Assistant Superintendant and Kpl Sabaruddin Daud to Sarjen. This will mean higher pensions for both families.

“The Government and the police will consider other assistance for the families,” Najib said.

“We will never forget the service and sacrifice of our two heroes.”

News

Sunday March 3, 2013

Najib: Commandos might have walked into trap