Hamza
TUNGKU: The security forces will discuss with the National Security Council (NSC) and District Officer to decide when the villagers of Kampung Tanjung Batu can enter their village.
State Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said they had a meeting yesterday and the damage assessment of Kampung Tanjung Batu would be done on Thursday or Friday, and after the assessment, the villagers might be allowed to return to their village.
However, Hamza said the security forces have decided not to settle the villagers of Kampung Tanduo back to their village but to move them to nearby areas.
“We will discuss with NSC and the District Officer before allowing the villagers of Kampung Tanjung Batu return to their homes.
“We will also discuss about the relocation of the villagers due to the damage, and because the villagers are only small in number,” he said at a daily press briefing at Felda Residence Sahabat, yesterday evening.
Meanwhile, Hamza said the search and mopping up operation had continued to Kampung Tanjung Labian and Kampung Tanagian, as well as Kampung Sungai Bilis.
He said during the operation at Kampung Sungai Bilis, the security forces seized a revolver with six bullets as well as a machete belonging to the Sulu gunmen.
“About 7.30am yesterday, the security forces bumped into three Sulu gunmen while conducting an operation in the area.
“During the fire exchange, they managed to escape. However, we managed to seize their weapons,” he said, adding that there were no casualties on both sides.
Hamza said so far, 67 Sulu gunmen had been gunned down by the security forces and eight Sulu gunmen had been charged in court.
He also added that 435 people had been arrested during Ops Daulat with 119 of them detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
“We will continue with the operation and we believe the operation to clear off the area will be solved soon.
“We will also investigate all information, and hope the people will continue to provide information to the security forces,” he added.