TAWAU: Two Filipino nationals allegedly involved in the intrusion by Sulu gunmen at a remote coastal village in Lahad Datu face the death penalty for waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The duo - Atik Hussein bin Abu Bakar and Basad H Manuel - were charged in the High Court here Thursday under Section 121 of the Penal Code for waging war.
They, along with four other Filipino citizens - Holland Kalbi, Lin bin Mad Salleh, Habil Suhaili and Timhar Hadir - were also accused of being part of a terror group.
The charge framed under Section 130KA of the Penal Code provides for life imprisonment upon conviction.
Two other men - Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong - also face life imprisonment after being charged under Section 511 of the Penal Code for harbouring a terrorist group.
The charges were read to all eight when they were produced before judge P. Ravinthran.
No plea was recorded from the eight men following an application by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail who led the prosecution team.
Gani told the court that although only two of the accused faced charges that carry the death penalty and would be provided counsel if they did not have their own lawyers, the prosecution would endeavour to see that all eight were represented, in the interest of human rights.
The court fixed April 12 for the cases to be mentioned and Abdul Gani said he would strive to ensure that all eight accused would have legal representation by then.
The eight were among the first batch of 108 people detained under preventive security laws following attacks against Malaysian security forces.
On Wednesday, the eight, aged between 17 and 66, were charged at a temporary Magistrate's Court in the Lahad Datu district police headquarters.
The case was transferred to the High Court here for hearing following an application by the prosecution.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
