Commando recalls finding bodies in aftermath of Lahad Datu incident

 

MELAKA: The discovery of dozens of deceased Sulu intruders in a pit covered with oil palm fronds remains etched in the memory of Special Boat Squadron Warrant Officer I Muhamad Hafis Ramli.

The 39-year-old shared his experience more than a decade after the Lahad Datu incursion, recalling the grim find after the area was secured at Kampung Tanduo.

He said the armed forces were allowed into the area after police completed their sweep and declared it safe during the special security operation known as Op Daulat in 2013.

"The bodies were found piled together in a pit and were in various stages of decomposition.

"They had not been properly buried but were covered with oil palm fronds, as though abandoned," he said when met at the New Year celebration and the diamond jubilee of the special forces group (Grup Gerak Khas or GGK) at Encore Melaka today.

Muhamad Hafis said the physical condition of the bodies suggested the intruders had likely been dead for five to six days before being discovered.

"Further examination revealed that some of the bodies had white cloth tied around their hands and necks, while others were wearing amulets inscribed with writings," he said.

He said that while white cloth is generally associated with surrender in warfare, the intruders were believed to have worn it based on their own beliefs, which they thought would grant them martyrdom.

"There were also amulets believed to indicate their 'time of death'.

"The intruders believed their bodies would not decompose," he said.

Muhamad Hafis added that the use of amulets and religious symbols was believed to boost confidence and courage among the intruders, as well as serve as a psychological tool to strengthen loyalty to their leaders.

Op Daulat marked a dark chapter in the nation's history, with 12 Malaysian security personnel killed, 56 intruders neutralised and six civilians losing their lives during the nearly two-month conflict.

Recalling the intense clashes, Muhamad Hafis said his team was ambushed while resting and having lunch.

"The situation appeared calm, but suddenly they attacked from two directions. One group created a diversion while another moved in from behind.

"They were not easy opponents. They had combat experience and were bold enough to engage openly," he said.

He described Op Daulat as one of the most challenging operations in his more than 21 years of service as a commando.

The incursion began on Feb 11, 2013, when about 235 Sulu militants, some armed, landed in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, prompting a large-scale security operation by the military and police. - NST