The armed intrusion by terrorists from the southern Philippines in Kampung Tanduo has caused major damage to the villagers’ houses.

Personal belongings, valuables and documents left by the villagers during the evacuation were also missing, believed to be stolen by the terrorists who had holed up in the village since Feb 9.

Speaking to reporters in Lahad Datu, Asaad Majijil, 70, said there was nothing much left of his house.

“I’ve lived here over the past 50 years, but this is the first time I ever experienced such a tragedy.

“It’s horrible to see my house and the surrounding area destroyed like that. It’s horrible,” said the man who, together with 19 other heads of family, were taken by the national security forces to enter the village this morning and to check on their houses for the first time after the intrusion tragedy.

Apart for security personnel, they were also accompanied by the district officer and National Security Council officials.

Meanwhile, Apollo Hajirun, 42, said his two houses were also damaged and what was left on one of them was the wall with bullet holes.

He said his car and all valuables were also nowhere to be found.

Atareh Sabtal, 39, said he really hoped that the government would compensate them or provide a new settlement for villagers.

“I don’t want to live here any more... not without security personnel protecting the area. I also don't want to live in a community where there is a traitor in disguise... we need a proper housing system,” he said.

The security forces personnel, led by a police armoured car, began to enter the village at about 10.30am with a convoy of almost 20 vehicles.

Several media practitioners tried to trail behind the convoy, but once spotted, they were instructed to return to the evacuation centre.

Plantation workers resume work

The situation along the route to Kampung Tanduo was also calm, and several oil palm plantation workers were spotted to have resumed work.

On Feb 9, the terrorists from southern Philippines entered the Malaysian waters and landed in Felda Sahabat 17, Kampung Tanduo.

Two days later, villagers and fishermen spotted the terrorists, who were armed and wearing military uniforms, and alerted the police.

On March 1, the terrorists launched their first attack, which claimed the lives of two Malaysian police commandos. Three other Malaysian policemen were injured, while 12 terrorists were killed in the half-hour gun battle.

- Bernama

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