PAO assists detained royal army members

CEBU, Philippines - The 38 arrested members of the Royal Sultanate Force (RSF), who are currently detained at the Naval headquarters, are qualified to post bail on the three charges filed against them by the authorities, Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said on Monday.

“As PAO lawyers, we are here to assist the accused, as a matter of their rights (to counsel) as requested by Princess Carolyn Kiram, daughter of Sulu Sultan, Jamalul Kiram III,” Acosta said upon her arrival at the Bongao airport.

Personally studying and assessing the charges filed against the accused, Acosta along with her legal staff to include a team of PAO doctors, also interviewed the RSF members, including two “major generals” and took their statements as part of their legal defense.

The 38 royal army members led by their commander, Lt. Gen. Eddie Edris, are facing before the Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Court three charges each – inciting to war, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nationwide gun ban.

Acosta said that all the three charges filed against the 38 royal army members are all bailable offenses under the country’s Revised Penal Code

She said that PAO is drafting a motion for the reduction of bail as the accused respective families, have already agreed to pool their resources.

Acosta said that they would ask the court to lower the bail to P3,00 each. Meanwhile, Acosta said that she is satisfied with the facility where the 38 royal army members were detained.

Acosta said that she was assured by her clients that they would not run if they are allowed to post bail and will face the charges in court. (FREEMAN)