Gov't to File Charges Against 36 Members of Sulu Royal Army

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 14): Gov't to File Charges Against 36 Members of Sulu Royal Army

The government is preparing to file criminal charges against a group of armed followers of Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III that was recently intercepted by the Philippine Navy in the waters off Tawi-Tawi.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the 36 members of the royal army of the Sulu sultanate who were apparently part of the standoff in Sabah can immediately be charged with illegal possession of firearms, citing an existing gun ban during the election period.

De Lima, in a Palace press briefing, said they will also investigate other possible violation of the country's laws by the sultan's followers who are currently detained in a naval facility in Tawi-Tawi.

She said Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, was not part of the group that were on board on two boats fleeing the conflict in Sabah.

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