Chronology of intrusion

Feb 9 - Filipino gunmen in boats began landing in Kampung Tanduo, Felda Sahabat 17, causing 80 people from 15 families living there to fl ee. The group was believed to have escaped to Sabah following a fi erce battle between two rival groups, which ended in at least 22 deaths.

Feb 13 - Malaysian armed forces threw a tight security ring around the area. Negotiations commenced between the group's leader and Malaysian emissaries. By this time, the group was estimated to have 80 to 100 members, with 20 to 30 armed.