FILIPINO BOAT AT CHECKPOINT; IMMIGRATION OFFICER, ARRIVALS CHECKED AND PHOTOGRAPHED.




Initials MA/VS/MK/PF.



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: THE MALAYSIAN STATE OF SABAH, FORMERLY NORTH BORNEO, HAS TIGHTENED UP ITS IMMIGRATION RULES ON FILIPINOS FROM SULU PROVINCE.

THE MOVE FOLLOWS THE COLLAPSE IN BANGKOK OF THE MALAYSIAN-PHILIPPINES TALK ON SABAH. THE PHILIPPINES IS CLAIMING THE TERRITORY, RICH IN TIMBER, RUBBER AND MINERALS.

SANDAKAN PORT IS A FAVOURITE LANDING PLACE FOR THE FILIPINO GOODS FROM THE SULU PROVINCE IN EXCHANGED FOR SAGO, CLOTHING, AND OTHER ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES.

BEFORE THE TALKS COLLAPSED THE TWO NATIONS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT ON ANTI-SMUGGLING AND OTHER CROSSING AGREEMENTS. BORDER PASSES WERE INTRODUCED AND FILIPINOS HAVING RELATIVE MUST NOW PRODUCE IDENTITY PAPERS. THOSE WITHOUT PASSES ARE PHOTOGRAPHED FOR RECORD PURPOSES. ALTHOUGH THE PASSES ARE VALID FOR SIX MONTHS, FILIPINOS ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO STAY IN SABAH FOR A PERIOD OF 14 DAYS AT ANY TIME.

GOODS BROUGHT IN FROM SULU PROVINCE ARE THOROUGHLY CHECKED FOR HIDDEN WEAPONS. THE MOVE FOLLOWS REPORTS THAT ISRAELI OFFICERS ARE TRAINING MEN OF THE PHILIPPINES ARMED FORCES IN SABOTAGE, COUNTER INSURGENCY AND COMMANDO RAIDS.