KOTA KINABALU: Police are keeping a close watch on the 18 wanted cross-border suspects believed to be involved in a spate of crimes, including kidnappings in Sabah.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah (pic) said that although their intelligence sources tell them that the 18 suspects are not in Sabah, security forces here cannot let their guard down.

“We must be alert. At the same time, the Sabah police force are in constant contact with our counterparts in the Philippines to get wind of the suspects’ movements,” he said during a community policing programme in Semporna yesterday.

The suspects are Salip Mura, Sibih Pisih, Titing Alihasan @ Iyot Panday, Roger Saji, Long Sahirin, Jul Aksan Abdurajan @ Halimaw, Ben Tatoh, Hatib Hajan, Apo Mike, Indang Susukan, Al Munjir Yadah, Raden Abuh, Sangbas Anjang, Hamsan Pakan @ Black Cobra, Sabri Madrasul @ Salip Jul, Jul@Jun Hasan, Tampi Bunju and Marajan Manajan.

Comm Omar urged the public not to worry about wanted cross-border criminals, and to be the “eyes and ears” for security forces to combat crime within Sabah.

He also urged local leaders to keep their areas safe from negative elements such as crime, drug abuse and migrant smuggling.

“We need to keep Semporna clean not only of rubbish, but also of criminals,” he added.