NBI recalls subpoenas for Kirams

MANILA, Philippines - Shortly after issuing subpoenas on Tuesday to members of the Kiram family and their spokesman, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recalled the subpoenas.

Political strategist Pastor “Boy” Saycon,  an adviser of the Kiram family,  told reporters that there appears to be some “miscommunication.”

“There was a miscommunication. And so, they said (NBI) they are retrieving them (subpoenas) back,” Saycon said.

Saycon told reporters that prior to the arrival of the NBI agents at the Kiram residence in Maharlika Village,  he had coordinated with the agency to spare the family from appearing before the NBI.

Saycon said only Abraham Idjirani, the Sultanate’s spokesman will appear before the NBI on Thursday. Saycon added that  Idjirani’s appearance at the NBI would be voluntary.

“Walang subpoena. Voluntary ang pagpunta niya doon,” he said.

Saycon said the recall of the NBI’s subpoenas is an indication that “everyone is now at peace.”

“Wala ng heavy heart. Malambot na ang usapan, which should be the case. Ang mainit ngayon ay ang deportation issue,” he said.

Saycon said the NBI has finished its investigation on the Sabah incursion incident and is set to reveal its findings.

“Tapos na ang NBI investigation on the ground. Natutuwa ako sa handling nila. They have investigated this for 11 days,” Saycon told reporters.
 
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon,  agents of the NBI served subpoenas on members of the Kiram family and on the spokesman of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

Earlier, the NBI also summoned Saycon, former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales and broadcaster Waldy Carbonell,  who had expressed their support for the Kirams.