Phl gov't to extend legal assistance to Filipinos charged in Malaysia

NAGA CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III said today the government would extend legal assistance and ensure the human rights of the followers of Jamalul Kiram III who were charged in Malaysia for their armed incursion to Sabah.

In a briefing held after the groundbreaking of the Jesse M. Robredo Monument here, Aquino said it is an "automatic obligation "of the government to ensure the protection of its citizens, adding that the foreign affairs and justice departments are taking care of this matter.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma said the Philippine government through the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia is closely monitoring the situation in Sabah including the filing of cases against Kiram's men.

Coloma said the government is verifying the reported filing of case along with the exact charges filed and number of accused involved, while ensuring that their rights and welfare are protected and upheld.

He also called for calmness and sobriety in dealing with the latest development in Sabah.

Eight followers of Kiram were charged for violation of Section 122 (waging war against the King) and Section 130 KA (terrorism) of Malaysia's Penal Code at the police headquarters in Lahad Datu before Sessions Court judge Amelati Parnell sitting as Magistrate.

The terrorism charge carries a jail term of up to 30 years while the charges of waging war against the King carries the death penalty.

In a separate briefing, Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Philippine government has formally asked for Malaysia's approval to gain access to the eight detained Filipinos.

The request was conveyed by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry.

"With the access we will be able to find out the exact and appropriate assistance that we could provide to these people," Hernandez said.

Malaysia has repeatedly denied the Philippines' request to see and provide consular assistance to detained Filipinos citing " security reasons."

Hernandez said the Department of Foreign Affairs would continue to insist on its right to see the Filipinos, adding it is part of its mandate to help all distressed Philippine nationals.

About 180 Kiram followers, some were armed, sailed to Lahad Datu in Sabah on Feb. 12 to assert their claim over the resource-rich territory in North Borneo.

A standoff between Kiram followers and the Malaysian forces ensued, resulting in a bloody encounter on March 1. Malaysian authorities have continued to hunt down the remaining Kiram followers.