For those left behind, waiting is agony.

In Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram's family admits they fear for their relatives in Sabah. While they are hopeful for a peaceful resolution, they are also prepared for the worst.

Simunul Island is not that far from Sabah but even here, news about what is happening is hard to come by.

The only thing relatives of the sultanate's followers who are in Sabah could do is wait.

Haj Nurkisa Kiram said she has not been able to talk to her husband, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, since the violence erupted in Sabah last Friday.

She said there are no plans of sending additional forces to come to their rescue.

"Paano kami magpapadala? Wala naman sila sasakyan. Walang pera," she said.

Raja Muda's daughter is also concerned for her father and brother, knowing they will not surrender.

Raja Muda's family is still hoping for a peaceful resolution but said they have prepared themselves for the possibility that no one is coming home alive.

ANC Dateline Philippines, March 6, 2013