Palace tracking terrorism case vs 8 Pinoys in Sabah

Malacañang on Thursday assured the public that the Philippine embassy in Malaysia is closely monitoring the terrorism cases filed against eight Kiram followers in Sabah. “Pinatututukan ito sa ating Philippine embassy upang tiyakin na binibigyan ng sapat na pagkakataon ang mga Pilipinong inuusig na ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga sarili,” Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said in a text message. According to a report from Malaysia's The Star Online, the eight Pinoys were charged for violating two articles in Malaysia's Penal Code: Section 122 (waging war against the King); and Section 130 KA (terrorism). While Section 130 KA (terrorism) calls for a jail term of up to 30 years, Section 121 (waging war against the King) can fetch the death penalty. Coloma however said that the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur is making sure the rights of the accused will not be violated. “[Sinisigurado din na] ginagalang ang kanilang karapatang pantao bilang akusado,” Coloma said. Coloma also said that the government is trying to confirm the exact contents of the case, since they do not want to be reliant on media reports. “Inaalam din ang mga nilalaman ng mga kasong inisampa laban sa kanila, sapagka’t hindi sapat na ibatay ang ating posisyon at pagkilos sa mga inilathala o ipinahayag sa balita,” he said. Information about the crisis in Sabah has been sparse, with Philippine media reportedly being prevented from getting near the action as the standoff between Malaysian security forces and Kiram’s followers turned violent. Some 200 individuals crossed over to Sabah early February to reclaim the area as their ancestral territory. Sultan Jamalul Kiram III has repeatedly said his followers will not leave Sabah despite being cornered by security forces. The Philippine government has yet to confirm the official number of fatalities in the conflict, with figures running from 50 to more than 60. — BM, GMA News