Philippines allows Malaysia to chase kidnappers into its waters

Philippines will allow Malaysian authorities to enter its waters to chase kidnappers and militants, part of the outcome of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's bilateral talk with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday.

Kidnappings off the Malaysian state of Sabah has been a perennial problem in the relations between the two countries. Days before Duterte's visit, a German couple were abducted off Sabah waters by Abu Sayaf, a military group based in southern Philippines and the wife was killed, according to Philippine military.

At a press conference after the bilateral talk, Najib said maritime forces had to stop at the Philippine boundaries when chasing bad guys, which would let them get away.

With this agreement, "the Philippines will be notified that we will enter Philippine waters and they will assist us," said Najib.

According to Najib, 10 Malaysian people have been kidnapped by militant groups this year, and five of them are still in captivity.

Najib also noted that defense ministers of the two countries and from Indonesia will meet to sort out legal requirements for such operations.

Najib also revealed his discussion with Duterte on the implementation of the Mindanao Peace Agreements, signed between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group.

"I welcome President Duterte's signing of the Executive Order enabling the reconstitution of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. This will, in turn, lead to the drafting of an enabling law for the eventual formation of a Bangsamoro Government," he said. Endit