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Gov't to Provide Legal Assistance to Kiram Men Facing Terror Raps
By Genalyn D. Kabiling
Published: March 21, 2013
The government is ready to provide legal assistance to Filipinos facing terrorism-related offenses in Malaysia in connection with the deadly standoff in Sabah, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday.
The President said the government has an obligation to ensure the protection of the rights of distressed Filipinos abroad.
“We automatically give legal assistance to any Filipinos facing trial regardless if we believe in their cause or not. We have an obligation to protect their rights,” Aquino said in Filipino during a media interview in Naga City.
Aquino said the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice will extend the legal aid to the eight Filipinos detained in Malaysia.
The eight Filipinos are charged with waging war against Malaysia’s king and harboring people who commit terrorist acts. The first offense reportedly carries a penalty of death penalty upon conviction while the second offense provides for a jail term of up to 30 years.
The Filipinos were reportedly among the 108 persons arrested under preventive security laws after the alleged attacks against Malaysian troops.
The President traveled to Naga City first to lead the groundbreaking rites for the Jesse Robredo Monument and Museum. Afterwards, Aquino shifted to campaign mode and joined the senatorial candidates of Team PNoy in a political rally at the Naga Ciity Civic Center
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