Malaysian forces kill 31 Filipino militants as ceasefire offer rejected

PanARMENIAN.Net - Malaysian security forces said they killed 31 Filipino militants in overnight clashes in eastern Sabah state as Prime Minister Najib Razak rejected a ceasefire offer from the armed group staking an ancient claim to the resource-rich region, Reuters said.

At least 52 militants and eight Malaysian policemen have died in clashes that began in the northern tip of Borneo island last Friday and intensified into an all-out assault by army troops early this week.

Security officials said many militants escaped the military attacks aimed at a coastal village where they had been holed up for weeks. The obscure group is believed to be at large in surrounding oil palm estates.

The conflict has strained relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors and prompted speculation that Najib may delay a national election he had been expected to call as early as March and which must be held by June.

The group is demanding recognition and an increased payment from Malaysia for their claim as the rightful owners of Sabah, part of Borneo island leased by the sultanate to British colonialists in the 19th century.

Malaysia has refused the demands and Manila has repeatedly told the group to put down its weapons and come home.