KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) will release their latest list of 13 individuals wanted by authorities for links to militant activities, said its commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
Without saying when the list will be released, he said a study is underway and both the police's Special Branch and Esscom play a role in monitoring the movements of those on the list.
He said he believed that most of the individuals on the list were now outside the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone).
"We want to make sure that none (of those on the list) cross the border into ESS Zone. If we don't take quick action, they can threaten security and order.
He also told Bernama that action has been taken on other individuals (on the wanted list) either by Malaysian or Philippines security forces.
On Jan 27 last year, Esscom released a list of 20 foreign nationals wanted by authorities for kidnapping for ransom cases in ESS Zone waters.
Victor said Esscom had also successfully detained five suspects, believed to be linked to militant activities, in several operations in Sabah this year.
He said that all the suspects were arrested in accordance with the law but further information could not be disclosed because it was still under investigation by authorities.
"Although Esscom is under control, we will increase enforcement and operations and also strengthen intelligence, both from within and outside the country," he said.
He emphasised that the record of zero kidnappings from January 2020 until now proves that the security forces in the ESS Zone have succeeded in curbing the threat of militants and cross-border crime.
Victor said that it was due to cooperation in the exchange of intelligence information and integrated and consistent prevention operations carried out by Esscom. The frequency of operations by the Philippine authorities also crippled militant networks.
"The most important thing is information obtained, either from abroad or within the country.
"We also ask for the cooperation of the ESS Zone community if there are sightings or information (on suspicious individuals), to alert us so action can be taken," he said. – Bernama
