The men of Rajah Muda Agbimuddin Kiram of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (SSNB) has asked for the return of their trial from General Santos City to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Abraham J. Idjirani, secretary general of the SSNB, told the Manila Bulletin yesterday that the pre-trial has been set for Thursday, September 4.
Rajah MudaHe said that of the 37 Royal Security Force (RSF) members, only around eight may be able to travel to General Santos City for the trial because most have no money for transportation.
“They are very poor, they cannot afford the big cost they have to spend to travel to the venue,” Idjirani said.
He said the 38th accused, Hayber Jailani, 38, died before he could post bail. One of the 37 men who are all free on bail is “still in shock” and needs treatment, he added.
Idjirani was referring to a letter from the Violence Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) on behalf of the accused for the change of venue from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in General Santos City to Bongao, or at least in Zamboanga City.
He said the accused have difficulty understanding why the trial is in General Santos City when they were arrested in Tawi-Tawi.
Idjirani said the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the trial to be held in General Santos City, citing security concerns.
The government has lodged the case against the followers of the late SSNB Sultan Jamalul Kiram III for allegedly “inciting to war and other charges” for their participation in the violent aftermath of the Sabah standoff during which they fought overwhelming Malaysian forces: jet fighters, helicopter gun ships, artillery, and thousands of ground troops.
A copy of the letter showed that VACC founding Chairman Dante LA. Jimenez wrote PAO chief Persida Rueda Acosta to help in the change of venue.
He said the VACC received the request for assistance from the accused, noting they are residents of either Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, or Zamboanga City.
“Extreme hardships both personal and more specially financial will afflict the 37 accused should they be made to face trial in a far away court in General Santos City,” Jimenez said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/rajah-mudas-men-seek-return-of-trial-to-bongao/
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