PAO assists detained royal army members

PANGLIMA SUGALA, Tawi-Tawi – The 38 arrested members of the Royal Sultanate Force (RSF), who are currently detained at the Naval headquarters, are qualified to post bail on the three charges filed against them by the authorities, Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said on Monday.

“As PAO lawyers, we are here to assist the accused, as a matter of their rights (to counsel) as requested by Princess Carolyn Kiram, daughter of Sulu Sultan, Jamalul Kiram III,” Acosta said upon her arrival at the Bongao airport.

Personally studying and assessing the charges filed against the accused, Acosta along with her legal staff to include a team of PAO doctors, also interviewed the RSF members, including two “major generals” and took their statements as part of their legal defense.

The 38 royal army members led by their commander, Lt. Gen. Eddie Edris, are facing before the Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Court three charges each – inciting to war, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nationwide gun ban.

Acosta said that all the three charges filed against the 38 royal army members are all bailable offenses under the country’s Revised Penal Code

She said that PAO is drafting a motion for the reduction of bail as the accused respective families, have already agreed to pool their resources.

Acosta said that they would ask the court to lower the bail to P3,000 each.

"I am hoping the court will grant our motion. Look at them, most of them are elderly and they don't have jobs. I thought they were still young," Acosta said.

Meanwhile, Acosta said that she is satisfied with the facility where the 38 royal army members were detained.

"Even 100 people can stay here. It's a good place," she said, referring to the multi-purpose hall of the headquarters of the Naval Task Force 62.

Acosta said that she was assured by her clients that they would not run if they are allowed to post bail and will face the charges in court.