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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice said on Tuesday, April 9 that a new panel will re-investigate the 38 alleged followers of Sulu sultanate Jamalul Kiram III who were arrested in Tawi-tawi in March.
The panel was created after Tawi-Tawi branch 5 acting Judge Peter Eisma granted the motion of the 38 requesting for a formal investigation conducted on the charges filed against them. The 38 face charges of violating the election gun ban, illegal possession of firearms and inciting to war.
Out of the 38, Kiram spokesman Abraham Idjirani confirmed that 22 are members of the Royal Security Force, who sailed to Sabah in February to assert Kiram’s territorial claim over the Malaysian-controlled state.
Prosecutor general Claro Arellano told Rappler they will remain under detention in Panglima Sugala in Tawi-tawi even as the re-investigation is ongoing.
He clarified that the DOJ found there was probable cause to charge the 38 after conducting inquest proceedings in March. A motion for reinvestigation will determine if there are irregularities in the findings or in the preliminary investigation.
Arellano said the new panel chaired by Soccsksargen Regional Prosecutor Al Calica and composed of Acting Regional Prosecutor Pete Medalle and Asst. Regional Prosecutor Dennis Araojo will “evaluate the pieces of evidence” against the 38.
The re-investigation will start on April 17 and will be terminated after 60 days.
The 38 alleged followers intercepted in Tawi-tawi in 3 separate incidents in March could not be released unless they post bail. The 38 could not afford the P82,000-bail each, reduced from P164,000 per person. – Rappler.com
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