Philippine embassy to remain open in Malaysia

MANILA -- The Philippine Embassy in Malaysia will remain open despite the rallies and protests it faced in recent days in relation to the Sabah crisis, embassy official said Saturday.

"We have a job to do, particularly to extend humanitarian assistance to those who have been displaced or otherwise adversely affected by the incident, and to ensure humane treatment to those who have been wounded and captured," Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya said.
 
On March 7, a 40-member group from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)-Youth held a brief rally in front of the Embassy, where they also handed in a letter of protest, which emphasized that the gathering was not a protest against the Philippine government, but against Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in his personal capacity, whose extradition to Malaysia they seek.
 
Also, representatives from nongovernmental organizations Ikatan Rakyat Muslim Malaysia, Ikatan Rakyat Insan Muslim Malaysia and Malaysian Muslim Economy and Social Chamber, numbering around 20, rallied in front of the Embassy, and also handed over a letter of protest.
 
On Saturday, in an event called Ops Bunga (Operation Flower), a number of Malaysians brought flowers in front of the Embassy gate as a gesture of peace with organizers stating that the event is aimed in showing that Malaysia is a peaceful nation, and they hope that both countries "will do their utmost best to do the best for the people and the relations of both our countries."
 
Nevertheless, Malaya said that they have put in place added security measures for the safety of its personnel and their families, its property and Embassy clients and visitors.
 
"The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy are working doubly hard and are focused on these tasks," Malaya said.
 
Malaysia and the Philippines are currently imbibe in a crisis involving the claim of the Kirams over Sabah marked by the holing up of hundreds of Filipinos in Lahad Datu.
 
Malaysian authorities have already blocked the areas to and from the areas and have also sent out jet fighters to bombard the Filipinos. (HDT/Sunnex)