A lawmaker appealed to Malaysian authorities to look into allegations of human rights abuses committed by Malaysian forces against Filipinos living in Sabah.

At the same time, Rep. Ma. Evita R. Arago (3rd District, Laguna) expressed concern over reports of women victims of Malaysian forces in their pursuit of suspected followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.

Arago said reports of Malaysian forces hunting down and shooting to death Filipino children and women, including pregnant women, are not only alarming but disturbing as well.
 
The lady solon said these people have been living peacefully in Sabah for many years and that to hunt them down like animals is a despicable act. “Filipinos in Sabah, like any nationality, should be treated with respect and accorded humane treatment.”

Arago said the crisis situation that is transpiring in Sabah has made Filipino women, children and the elderly who are there or now returning to the country as the most vulnerable.

The Laguna lawmaker also expressed concern about the prevailing humanitarian crisis in the province of Tawi-Tawi as more Filipinos flee from the crackdown in Sabah.

She urged both the public and private sectors to send help and support in whatever way as the countless Filipinos who are coming back to the Philippines from Sabah are in a dire situation.

“This is their home and we all have to support our government as we look at a comprehensive means to answer their needs for livelihood food and shelter,” Arago said.

“Government agencies and the private sector can be tapped to provide enhanced services. We are all Filipinos and should respond to our brothers and sisters in need, Arago said."