As the conflict between Malaysian security forces and the “Royal Army” of the Sultanate of Sulu escalated, the Muslim community in Metro Cebu wants the Philippine government to consider the claim of the Kirams to Sabah, an oil-rich territory in Borneo Island.
Abbas Murad, 53, Vice President of Mandaue Islamic Association based in Barangay Mantuyong, Mandaue City believes that Sabah belongs to the Sultanate of Sulu. “It was part of the 13 Sultanates in Mindanao and the neighboring islands including Sabah which existed a very very long time ago as what we have learned from my great grand father.” Murad told Cebu Daily News.