Also in the group, Bank of the Philippine Islands boasts the lowest delinquent-loan ratio in the country.

CNN: Asia's Memory Lapse

Tighter security measures have also been put in place in the Philippine islands near the area, the statement added.

BBC: Malaysia stand-off with Philippine group

The Sulu Sultanate once spread over several southern Philippine islands as well as parts of Borneo, and claimed Sabah as its own before it was designated a British protectorate in the 1800s.

BBC: Malaysia police die in fresh Sabah gun battle

It formed part of the Sulu Sultanate - which once spread over several southern Philippine islands as well as parts of Borneo - before it was designated a British protectorate in the 1800s.

BBC: Malaysia stand-off with Philippine group

The village the Filipinos were occupying formed part of the Sulu Sultanate - which once spread over several southern Philippine islands as well as parts of Borneo - before it was designated a British protectorate in the 1800s.

BBC: Sabah stand-off 'turns deadly' as clashes break out

The Philippine archipelago is made up of more than 7, 000 islands and the national airline dominated about half the domestic air-travel market.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

Because officials were concerned about a terrorist attack on the embattled islands, the presidential airplane, Air Force One, was shepherded into Philippine air space by F-15s.

NPR: 'Folly of Empire' Offers Critique of U.S. Imperialism

America and the Philippines still have a mutual defence treaty, and Philippine politicians and journalists are now talking about getting America to extend its security guarantee to cover the disputed islands.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines