KUALA LUMPUR: Security forces have arrested more than 10 people suspected to be informers for the Abu Sayyaf and kidnap-for-ransom groups in a special operation that started last night in Sabah.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said those arrested were local civilians and immigrants from southern Philippines.
The suspects, believed to have been feeding information on security forces' operations and movement to the rebels and criminal groups, are being detained under the procedures of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act to facilitate investigations under the Penal Code.
Khalid said he did not have the exact number of suspects arrested as the operation was ongoing, and that they expect the number to increase.
He also did not deny the possibility of security personnel being involved in the treacherous activity, and that police are working to identify the culprits.