PHL gov't to file charges vs. followers of Kiram fleeing Sabah

The government is readying appropriate charges against 36 individuals intercepted by the Philippine Navy entering Philippine waters from Sabah, Malaysia in two boats March 13, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said.

In a briefing in Malacanang Thursday, De Lima confirmed earlier reports that the individuals, intercepted within the vicinities of Omapoy and Adulingan islands in Tawi-Tawi, were members of the Royal Security Forces of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.

"We confirm the reports yesterday about the interception of two groups of armed men from Sabah, Malaysia. So the first group was intercepted yesterday at 6:35 in the morning by Philippine Navy vessel PS38. There were 18 of them, 17 males, and one female, and with assorted firearms, and one of them was even found wounded, and they identified themselves as Royal Security Force," De Lima said.

"The second group came in at 7:37, also yesterday, so isang oras lang ang pagitan. The same Philippine vessel PS38 intercepted the second group, and again, there were 18 passengers who were identified to be RSF members, and again, with assorted firearms," she added.

She pointed out that a composite force composed of members from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group are studying the appropriate charges to file against these individuals.

"So with that development, the processes are now being undertaken by a composite team with the end view of filing the appropriate charges against them as soon as possible," De Lima said. (PNA)