MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday called on Filipinos in the eastern coast of Sabah to "remain calm and abide by the guidelines issued by local authorities."

The embassy issued the appeal in light of tensions in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak.

"We feel and understand the anxieties felt by many of you at these difficult times. The Embassy will work with concerned authorities to ensure your safety and well-being. This is not the time to undertake any action that might be misunderstood by some parties," the embassy said in a statement released on Sunday.

Earlier, Malaysian media reported that five policemen were shot dead in Kampung Seri Jaya Simunul, Semporna, while 10 armed intruders sighted in Kampung Lumalong and Kampung Dasar Lama in Kunak.

Three “armed intruders” were also nabbed by Malaysian security forces in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu as they tried to leave the cordoned area, they reported.

Malaysian officials on Sunday also assured that the situation in the three areas is “under control.”

"I have called the armed forces chief (Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin) to strengthen our position over incidents involving the armed intruders in three areas. …We are in a state of readiness to take further action," Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar told a news conference, Malaysian media reported.

Zulkifeli was also quoted as saying that two more battalions have been deployed in several areas in the east coast of Sabah “to restore public confidence.”