Filipinos jailed for taking part in illegal society

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 20 Filipinos from a group named “Knights of The Rights Keepers” were jailed 18 months for taking part in an illegal society in Sabah.

Knights of The Rights Keepers is a southern Philippines-based organisation, whose stated aim was to undertake social and welfare activities.

During the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013, the group’s name came up during the mopping-up operations by the Malaysian security forces when some of the Sulu Sultanate intruders were found holding the group’s membership cards.

There is suspicion that the group might have indirect or direct links to the self- proclaimed Sulu Sultanate and other extremist groups operating in southern Philippines.

Police and other security personnel have detected members of the Knights of the Rights Keepers among the Filipino community in the state, particularly in the east coast.

The 20, aged between 19 and 40, pleaded guilty to Kota Kinabalu magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun on Monday for committing the offence under Section 43 of the Societies Act 1966.

The offence was committed at an estate workers housing area in Lahad Datu at 9.40pm on June 24 this year.

Under the section, the Act provides for a maximum jail term of three years or a maximum fine of RM5,000 or both.

During mitigation, Saudi Salleh, who acted on behalf of his friends, asked for a lenient sentence as it was their first offence.

He told the court that their society’s mission was only intended to help those in need.

The 20 were later taken to the Sessions Court where they pleaded guilty for illegal entry into the state under the Immigration Act.

Sessions Court judge Azreena Aziz jailed them between four and five months.