DOJ to file criminal raps vs 38 of Kiram’s men

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice will file today (Friday) criminal charges against 38 people believed to be members of the Sulu Sultan’s “royal army”.

Justice Secretary Leila DeLima said cases for illegal possession of firearms, violation of the Election Gun Ban and violation of Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code for Inciting to War or Giving Motives for reprisals would be filed before the Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Court.

She said inquest proceedings against the 38 were held Thursday evening.

An inquest proceeding is an informal and summary investigation conducted by the public prosecutor in a criminal case involving persons arrested without warrant for the purpose of determining whether he or she should remain under custody and correspondingly be charged in court.

The 38 will be detained in a naval facility in Panlima, Tawi-tawi, De Lima said.