MANILA: The Philippines expressed “grave concern” on Sunday over allegations that innocent Filipinos in Malaysia are being abused after being caught up in fighting in Sabah with followers of an obscure sultanate.

Fifty-three militants and eight police officers have been shot dead since a group of armed Filipino Islamists arrived in the state last month to resurrect long-dormant land claims of a self-proclaimed Philippine sultan.

Local press reports in the Philippines have claimed that innocent Filipinos were being beaten and shot by Malaysian security forces as part of the crackdown against followers of self-declared Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III.

Sabah police have denied the allegations.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said government agencies will document these latest reports as it called on Malaysia to clarify the alleged incidents.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs views with grave concern the alleged rounding up of community members... in Sabah and the alleged violations of human rights reported in the media by some Filipinos,” a statement said.

“The allegations are alarming and should be properly and immediately addressed by concerned authorities,” said the statement.

Sabah police chief Hamza Taib, when asked about reports in the Philippine media quoting Filipino nationals recounting abuse by Malaysian security forces, denied these reports.—AFP