Prosecutors has 36 hours to resolve cases vs suspects in Jolo bombings

MANILA, Philippines–The Sulu Provincial Prosecutors Office will have 36 hours to determine whether to file criminal cases or not against the suspects in the Jolo twin bombings.

On Monday evening, the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed complaints for 23 counts of murder, 95 counts of frustrated murder and damage to property against Mukammar L. Pae alias Kamah, Albadji Gadjali alias Awag, Radjan Gadjali alias Radjan, Kaisar B. Gadjai alias Issal and Said Alih alias Papong.

The suspects underwent inquest proceedings. An inquest proceeding is a summary proceeding conducted when the accused has been lawfully arrested without warrant. In this case, the suspects have surrendered.

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The suspects no longer opted for a preliminary investigation which is why the prosecutor considered the complaints deemed submitted for resolution.

Under the rules, the inquest requires the prosecutors to resolve the complaints in a prescribed period depending on the gravity of the offense, in this case, 36 hours.

Other suspects in the twin bombing in Jolo who are still at large are Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan alias Imam, Usman Absara alias Usman, Barak Ingog alias Bars/Barak and Makrim Habisi alias Makrim. /muf