DOJ to seek transfer of Abu Sayyaf detainees in foiled jailbreak

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask the Supreme Court to direct the transfer of suspected Abu Sayyaf members currently detained at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC).

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she had ordered Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to file a formal request with the Supreme Court.

“It’s the Supreme Court which has the authority to direct the transfer of venue and the transfer of the accused,” De Lima told reporters Monday, adding that she has informed President Benigno Aquino III about it.

Earlier, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco called on the DOJ and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to transfer the Abu Sayyaf detainees to a more secure detention facility in Metro Manila.

Climaco made the request after security forces thwarted a plan of the detainees to escape from the ZCRC.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology confiscated three .45 caliber pistols and more than a hundred rounds of ammunition inside the cell holding one of the Abu Sayyaf detainees.

There are 56 suspected Abu Sayyaf members currently detained at the ZCRC.

De Lima said the Abu Sayyaf suspects might be detained here in Metro Manila though she added they are still discussing the security arrangements to be implemented.

Among the detainees are Musang Indama and Benzar Indama, both relatives of Abu Sayyaf commander Furuji Indama.

Authorities are also investigating whether the bomb explosion in Zambonga City Friday that left two persons dead and more than 50 others injured is linked to the alleged escape plan of the Abu Sayyaf detainees.

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