Simunul: Three bullet marks on a house in Kampung Simunul here, remnants of an attack by intruders from southern Philippines on March 2, 2013, remain visible to this day - silent witnesses to a dark chapter in the nation's history. The house owner, Norlinda Mohamad, 44, said she was not at home when the incident occurred and only found out about it through a phone call from her cousin, who informed her that all villagers were being evacuated urgently to Sekolah Kebangsaan Simunul.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Norlinda recalled, 'At about 7 pm, after Maghrib prayers, my cousin called and said there was a shootout in Simunul and that they were running to the school to seek shelter.' The next morning, she returned from Tawau but was not allowed to enter Simunul. It was only after two weeks that she was permitted to go back home. Upon returning, Norlinda found her house in disarray, with bullet marks still visible on the back wall. Though nearly 12 years have passed, she has deliberately kept the marks as a reminder of what happened.

Meanwhile, Kampung Simunul village head, Ismail Saraman, 61, recounted his involvement in efforts to help bring out the bodies of fallen security personnel during the tragedy, although he had not yet been appointed as village chief at the time. The father of 13 was at the Seafeast jetty when he heard gunfire and initially thought it was fireworks. He rushed home to rescue his family and took them to the school used as a temporary shelter.

Ismail shared how he was called by the police to identify the location of the shootout, which took place at Lorong Lima. From the outside, the premises appeared ordinary, but inside, he found small bridges connecting rooms that resembled caves. He expressed his deep sadness upon seeing the condition of fallen security personnel, feeling anger towards the intruders who had brutalized them.

For Mohd Aizam Ibnul, 20, the memories of the incident remain vivid. At just seven years old, he left the village with his family after hearing gunshots. The experience left him fearful and anxious for nearly three months. Even after more than a decade, the incident resurfaces in his mind whenever he passes the bridge near the scene. He expressed relief that the area is now calm, with regular police patrols ensuring safety. Villagers plan to build a memorial to honor the national heroes who died in the tragedy.

A Bernama check at the scene found that the bridge where the shootout took place has been closed, while the surrounding houses have been demolished. The incident in Kampung Simunul claimed the lives of six police personnel: ACP Ibrahim Lebar, DSP Michael Padel, Sergeant Major Baharin Hamit, Sergeant Major Abdul Aziz Sarikon, Sergeant Salam Togiran, and Corporal Mohd Azrul Tukiran. In February 2013, Malaysia was rocked by the armed intrusion of Sulu militants at Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, leading to battles in Kampung Tanduo and subsequently in Kampung Simunul. A total of 68 Sulu militants were killed before the conflict was declared over on April 10, 2013. Kampung Simunul is located within the Budaya state constituency, one of 73 seats being contested in the 17th Sabah state election.