The self-proclaimed Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III has conceded that 10 of his followers at Lahad Datu died during the confrontation with Malaysian security forces, whereas another 10 have since been captured.

Four other followers were wounded, according to the sultan's spokesperson Abraham Idjirani who told this to the Reuters news agency.

"They will not come home, and would rather die fighting if cornered," he said of the remaining followers in Sabah.

NONE Philippine media ABS-CBN also quoted Idjirani as saying that the sultanate demands information on the 10 fighters arrested by the Malaysian security forces.

On the claim by the Malaysian authorities that 13 Filipino intruders had been killed during the confrontation, Idjirani ( right ) insisted that the sultanate only lost 10 men, and that the remaining three may be civilians.

In another related development, despite Kuala Lumpur's request to extradite Jamalul to face charges in Malaysia for inciting anger and hatred, no constraint or action has been taken against the 75-year-old leader who is living in Taguig City, Manila.

According to GMA News , security has been tightened at his house yesterday evening following an alleged surveillance operation by three unidentified men.

Security guards were stationed at the gate of the house, and media personnel were told that tighter security measures may be imposed starting today.

Yesterday afternoon, the three unidentified men introduced themselves as members of a TV crew and were granted access to move freely around the house.

'No need to spy on us'

The sultan's representatives said that there was no need for anyone to spy on them as they have been open with the media since the standoff started last February, and that no charges has been filed against them.

Some media representatives were even allowed to plug their chargers into the house's outlets, they claimed.

In Tawi-Tawi, ABS-CBN reported that relatives of Jamalul's followers in Sabah are concerned about the lack of news from the group, and can only hope for a peaceful resolution while preparing for the worst.

NONE It quoted Haj Nurkisa Kiram, wife of the group's leader Azzimuddie Kiram, as saying that she has not been able to communicate with her husband since the shootings last Friday.

On the other hand, Philippine news portal InterAksyon says that Jamulul's daughter Jacel Kiram ( right ) has flown to Tawi-Tawi in a pre-dawn flight for a "humanitarian mission" due to the violence in Sabah. No details were given other than that she had been accompanied by a newscaster.

Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has denied the accusation by president Benigno Aquino that her administration was involved in a conspiracy relating to the Sabah intrusion.

"She was shocked. I myself said, ‘What's this?' He (Aquino) might also accuse Gloria of being behind the death by firing squad of (our national hero Jose) Rizal," said Mike Arroyo, the former president's husband.

Related stories

Security forces kill Sulu 'general', 31 others

Sulu sultan seeks unilateral ceasefire with M'sia

M'sia rejects ceasefire unless militants surrender

Sabah will remain with M'sia forever, declares Najib

Bodies in Semporna were mutilated, confirm police

Police: Enemy surrounded, food supplies cut off

Lahad Datu water facilities safe despite poisoning fears

Aquino wants Jamalul to be charged in Manila first

Election may be postponed in areas affected by intrusion

Jamalul's wife deplores exhumations of Sulu fighters

Intruders concede 10 dead, 10 captured, four injured

UN sec-gen urges dialogue on Sabah

Apologise or there will be trouble, Umno warns Tian

Tian Chua: I'm only responsible for direct quotes

KL, Manila to discuss 'best approach' to intruders

Rosmah extends sympathy to families of slain cops

Sabah claim and the folly of the 1915 agreement

Negotiate to end the Sabah dispute

MNLF blasts terrorist acts in eastern Sabah

The first casualty of war is truth

After pix of dead intruders shown, where are the rest?