MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the
investigation of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and his followers for possible
violations of the Constitution in their armed incursion in Sabah.
Aquino said he believes Kiram and his followers may have been financed or
helped by other groups, which he said will also be held accountable.
"As President and chief executor of our laws, I have tasked an
investigation into possible violations of laws by you, your followers, and
collaborators engaged in this foolhardy act. May I remind you as well that as a
citizen of the Republic, you are bound by the Constitution and its laws,"
the President said in a statement aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Tuesday.
"Among your possible violations is Article II Section 2 of the
Constitution, which states that the Philippines renounces war as an instrument
of national policy, the enabling law of which is Article 118 of the Revised
Penal Code, which punishes those who ‘provoke or give occasion for a war...or
expose Filipino citizens to reprisals on their persons or property.’ Thus, you
are now fully aware of the consequences of your actions," Aquino added.
- Close to 180 Filipinos, led by Kiram's brother Agbimuddin, trooped to Sabah on Feb. 12 and have refused to leave the island state.
The Philippine government has already dispatched a naval ship for
humanitarian purposes to Sabah but Kiram and his followers have insisted on
their right to remain there.
Aquino warned Kiram that he and his followers now "fast approaching
that point (of no return)."
"This is the time to demonstrate that you are a true leader both in
name and deed. The right thing to do now would be to order your followers to
return home as soon as possible," the President said.
"The choices and consequences are yours. If you choose not to
cooperate, the full force of the laws of the state will be used to achieve
justice for all who have been put in harm’s way," he added.
Source: Agency
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