7 more Filipinos charged over Sabah standoff

MANILA, Philippines - Seven more Filipinos and a policeman were charged in Malaysia over the intrusion of members of the Sultanate of Sulu's royal army in Lahad Datu last February 12.

Malaysian news agency Bernama reported that the seven Filipinos aged between 20 and 63 were charged before Lahad Datu Sessions Court Judge Rajalingam a/l S.S. Maniam.

The news agency reported that five of the arrested supporters of the sultanate's royal army were charged with two counts of "waging war against the DiPertuan Agong, under Section 121 of the Penal Code," which has a corresponding penalty of death. They were also charged with two counts of violation of Section 130KA of Malaysia's Penal Code.

One of the Filipinos accused is facing a charge for "recruiting terrorists" and one more was charged with one count of violation of Section 130KA of the Penal Code.

The news agency also reported that a police corporal was also charged for "intentionally refraining from disclosing information on terrorist acts."

Last month, eight other members of the sultanate's royal army were charged in connection with the standoff in Lahad Datu that started last February 12.

Several members of the sultanate's army were killed and arrested after Malaysian security forces moved in on their positions.

The sultanate's army is led by Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, brother of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. The army went to Lahad Datu to revive their claim over Sabah.