(UPDATED) Nine sentenced to life in prison over Lahad Datu intrusion

KOTA KINABALU: Nine Filipinos were today sentenced to life in prison for waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the Lahad Datu intrusion three years ago.

Among them was Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram, nephew of the late self-proclaimed Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram who ordered the intrusion.

Others were Atik Hussin Abu Bakar, Basad H Manuel, Ismail Yasin, Virgilio Nemar Patulada @ Mohammad Alam, Salib Akhmad Emali, Al Wazir Osman, Tani Lahaddahi, and Julham Rashid.

They were among 17 accused who were sentenced by Justice Stephen Chung Hian Guan at the Sabah Prisons Department complex, here.

Chung meted out the penalties after taking into account the mitigating and aggravating factors provided by defence counsels and deputy public prosecutor.

All nine accused were convicted under Section 121 of the Penal Code which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment, and also liable to a fine.

In passing the sentence, Chung also sent Amir, Salib, Tani, Julham, and Al Wazir to 18 years imprisonment under Section 130KA of the Penal Code for being members of a terrorist group.

Atik, Basad, Ismail, and Virgilio were each sentenced to 13 years in prison along with three other Filipinos, Lin Mad Salleh, Holland Kalbi and Aiman Radie under the same Penal Code.

Meanwhile, Norhaida Ibnahi was given 10 years in prison for harbouring a member of a terrorist group.

The three Malaysians, Abd Hadi Mawan, Pabblo Alie, and Mohammad Ali Ahmad, were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Abd Hadi was yesterday found guilty of being a member of a terrorist group, while Pabblo had in February pleaded guilty to soliciting property for the commission of terrorist acts.

Mohamad Ali also pleaded guilty to soliciting or giving support to a terrorist group.

Stephen said all punishments would start from the date of arrest, adding that those charged under Section 121 and Section 130KA will serve their sentence concurrently. Additional reporting by Ensol Langgayat

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