Suspected Abu Sayyaf member charged

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 13): Suspected Abu Sayyaf member charged

A SUSPECTED member of the Abu Sayyaf group arrested by security forces in Sulu last week for transporting improvised explosive devices and bomb components was charged with rebellion and illegal possession of explosives before the Department of Justice late Monday.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Clarisa Kuong said Milham Saham underwent inquest proceeding on the complaints filed by the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command.

Kuong said Saham was assisted by lawyers from the Public Attorneys’ Office during the inquest as he asked that he be given the chance to answer the accusations during preliminary investigation of the case.

An inquest is done when a suspect is apprehended without the benefit of a court-issued warrant.

Kuong set the start of the preliminary investigation on September 15, when Saham is also expected to submit a counter-affidavit.

The complaint identified Saham as a ASG member who was nabbed by soldiers from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion at a checkpoint in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town last September 7.

The checkpoint was set up by the Army after receiving intelligence reports on the reported movements of Abu Sayyaf members in the area.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/suspected-abu-sayyaf-member-charged