The two police VAT 69 commandos killed in a skirmish in Lahad Datu with intruders from southern Philippines yesterday have been promoted posthumously.

The government has agreed to promote Inspector Zulkifli Mamat to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, whereas Coporal Sabarudin Daud will be ranked a Sargeant.

The promotion would also mean that the family of Zulkifli, 26, and Sabaruddin, 46, will received an increased pension.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced this today after paying his last respects to the two officers and offering his condolences to the family.