Police, the military and the coast guard are monitoring sea routes, landing points and other hot spots, says Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, commander of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered an all out war against the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Basilan.

“Esscom with cooperation from other security agencies will tighten security in districts identified as hotspots as well as the cross-border routes used by smugglers and transporters of illegal immigrants,” said Wan Abdul Bari.

He welcomed the action taken by the Philippines government and said Esscom was doing all it could to monitor the situation while conducting daily surveillance on the national waters.

On Saturday, Duterte declared a nationwide “state of lawlessness” following a deadly explosion at an open-air market in southern Davao City, killing at least 14 people and injuring 67 during a presidential visit to his hometown.