A new threat – Knights of the Right Keepers

THE kidnappings in Sabah, where two Malaysians were abducted last November, is primarily a criminal act orchestrated by the Darul Islam Sabah and the Abu Sayaaf Group (ASG). The ASG has been known for its kidnap-for–ransom attempts since in existence.

 

However, a group called the Knights of the Right Keepers, which is an organisation set up by indigenous Filipinos residing in Sabah for the welfare of their people living there, could also be culpable.

 

The organisation may be involved in the kidnappings of the two Malaysians. It may be a front organisation for terrorist groups operating in Sabah.

 

The origin of this organisation is the Western Mindanao University in Zamboanga City, the Philippines. It was founded in 1970 by university students as a “fraternity” and “sorority” group. Why and how this organisation came into force in Sabah is still unclear.  

 

The organisation supposedly remains as a “support” structure for Pinoys living in Sabah. It is literally unknown and operates very secretively within the Pinoy community in Sabah.

 

Darul Islam Sabah (DIS) is a Malaysian terrorist group operating in Sabah and originating from Indonesia. This group is linked to Jemaah Islamiyah and Al Qaeda operating in the Southeast Asia region. 

 

The Darul Islam Sabah may have close links to the Knights of the Right Keepers as well as confirmed relations with regional terrorist groups. DIS most probably has worked with the ASG in the kidnappings.

 

The cause of the kidnappings was based on a business-cum-labour issue and a ransom that was demanded by the group which however was not paid. 

 

Sources provided earlier stated that the abductors may have worked with the Southern Philippines insurgent groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and  Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to safeguard their hostage.