ESSCOM Boldly Confronts Security Challenges To Ensure Nation Stays Peaceful, Safe

By Khatijah Jistoh

LAHAD DATU, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The country's experience in facing a dark chapter over the invasion of Sulu armed terrorists from the southern Philippines in Tanduo Village in Felda Sahabat, Sabah more than 11 years ago, taught all parties how important it is to defend the sovereignty and security of the nation.

The celebration of Malaysia Day on Sept 16 with the theme Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka" should therefore be a day for all citizens to pledge their loyalty to the country.

In order to ensure Malaysia remains safe and secure, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) which is responsible for the great task in Sabah has been continue to ensure the sovereignty of the country remains intact despite facing various security challenges.

Speaking to Bernama recently, ESSCOM commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said since its establishment in 2013, ESSCOM has coordinated integrated operations through Op Sanggah and Op Gasak.

The operations are aimed at detecting and curbing outside elements, traitors, cross-border criminal elements and the entry of illegal immigrants to the east coast of Sabah.

"The border on the east coast of Sabah, including the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone), is so long, especially the sea border, and our priority (ESSCOM) is to ensure that neither sea nor land borders are encroached upon.

"Of course, in order to face this challenge, there are many things that we have to take and consider. Cross-border criminal activities are always happening, (and) we will maintain our vigilance with military, police and maritime coordination operations together with other law enforcement agencies," he said.

He said in addition, to ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country is preserved, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency which are part of ESSCOM, also carried out their respective operations including Op Pasir, Op Taring, Op Gelora, Op Pluto Timur, and Op Sejahtera.

Victor said various successes forged by ESSCOM included thwarting smuggling through operations on the east coast of Sabah, besides the cooperation forged with the security forces of neighbouring countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia also yielded results in curbing the entry of foreign elements.

"Based on the terrorism target study conducted by the Bukit Aman special branch, a total of 13 foreign individuals are wanted by the authorities for having links to militant activities and cross-border crimes. Last year, five foreigners suspected of having links to militant activities were arrested in several operations in Sabah.

"ESSCOM also busted the cells of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the kidnapping for ransom group (KFRG) on the land and waters of Sabah through a series of special operations carried out in an integrated manner by the security forces as well as the sharing of intelligence with the authorities of neighbouring countries," he said.

Since 2015, Victor said a total of 20 ASG members have been shot dead and 17 members including KFRG have been arrested, in addition to successfully foiling 12 attempted kidnappings, extortions and robberies between 2014 and 2018 in the ESS Zone.

"In addition, a total of 21 kidnapping cases involving 58 victims comprising 16 locals and 42 foreign nationals namely Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Taiwan were recorded in the ESS Zone with the last incident in January 2020," he said.

Victor said of the total number of kidnapped victims, a total of 43 hostages were released with ransom, eight were rescued by the Philippine authorities while six hostages were found dead and one missing.

"Regardless, the reality is that there are no external elements including kidnappings, that have occurred since February 2020 until now.

"People and tourists have a responsibility to maintain security. If you see something that violates the laws of the country, (and) are in doubt, report it to the authorities," he said and added that the responsibility of maintaining national security is a joint responsibility of all parties.

-- BERNAMA