DOJ seeks transfer of Abu Sayyaf detainees from Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Monday, January 26, her department will seek the approval of the Supreme Court to transfer to Metro Manila the suspected Abu Sayyaf group members who are detained in Zamboanga City.

“It is still within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court since they are still detainees and their cases are still pending. It’s the SC which has the authority to direct the transfer of venue and the transfer of the accused,” De Lima told reporters.

De Lima said she had directed Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to file a formal request with the SC, and that she had informed President Benigno Aquino III that the national prosecution service is making such request.

She added that the ASG detainees might be detained in Metro Manila, though the security arrangements will still be discussed.

The move was made after Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco earlier called on the national government to transfer the ASG detainees in the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) to a more secure detention facility in Metro Manila.

Climaco made the request after security forces discovered the detainees’ plan to escape from the center. Authorities confiscated 3 .45 caliber pistols and more than 100 rounds of ammunition inside the cell of one of the ASG detainees.

There are 56 suspected ASG members currently detained at the ZCRC. Among the detainees are Musang Indama and Benzar Indama, both relatives of ASG commander Furuji Indama. – Rappler.com