Two of 32 Filipinos detained off Sabah waters, about 12 nautical miles from Tambisan, Lahad Datu on Monday morning, are believed to have been candidates for mayor or vice-mayor of Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines.

However, Sabah police commissioner Hamza Taib said the police were awaiting confirmation from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur before taking further action, which included their release.

“The police have identified the 32 foreigners under detention. They were from the southern Philippines and were heading to Taganak. However, their boat experienced problems and drifted into Malaysian waters, and we are convinced of their statement.

“However, the arrests were made under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012. We have already opened an investigation paper for reference to the deputy public prosecutor and will recommend that no charges be made,” he said.

Hamza was speaking to reporters after receiving RM27,736.85 in contributions from the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) employees for the National Warriors’ Fund at the Sabah police contingent headquarters in Kepayan near Kota Kinabalu today.

He was commenting on a Philippine media report ( Mindanews ) on the matter yesterday.

Mindanews daily was quoted as saying, “Malaysian police have detained 32 Liberal Party candidates and their supporters who were on their way to the Turtle Islands to accompany a gubernatorial candidate on his campaign.

“Naval Task Force 62 commander Captain Renato Youngque confirmed that the 32 are now in the custody of the Malaysian police in Sandakan, Sabah. They were accompanying gubernatorial candidate Nurbert M Sahali.”

The report also stated that those arrested included Romel Matba and Amman Matba, candidates for mayor and vice-mayor, respectively, in Languyan town (Tawi-Tawi).

It said that also with them were four candidates for Languyan town council - Habib Baginda Tambutoh, Manny Maraji, Abubakar Ibrahim and Berhamin Abubakar - as well as police escort Hassan Abdilla.

Hamza said: “What they said is probably true but I have written to the Philippine Embassy to confirm several matters.

“Among them, we want to verify that one of them in the ship is a Philippine security officer. We want to confirm whether two of those arrested will be contesting as Tawi-Tawi mayor, and whether they came with the intention as stated.”

When the group was detained last Monday, security forces seized various firearms and axes from them.

- Bernama