De Lima will appeal Malaysia denial of Amalilio extradition

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday expressed disappointment over Malaysian government’s denial of the Philippine’s extradition plea request to bring back Manuel Amalilio to the country to face multi-billion investment scam case.

“We intend to convey thru diplomatic channels our deep disappointment over this development,” De Lima told reporters.

Manuel Amalilio. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Amalilio a.k.a. Mohammad Kamal Bin Sa’id is facing syndicated estafa charges for defrauding some 15,000 investors. He escaped and went to Malaysia early 2013 where he was convicted for violating passport laws and sentenced to two years in prison.

De Lima said they would appeal the denial of their request for extradition.

Last year, representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) coordinated with the Malaysian government for its extradition request. However, Malaysia’s Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs withdrew its order so that the extradition request would push through.

“We want to know the reason behind it,” she said.

“Inaalam pa natin kung ano ang reasons behind it. We want to get nga a written order or a written decision para malaman namin ano ang mga naging reasons why hindi na pinapatuloy ung extradition na nagsimula na dapat, na-initiate na. Pinag-aaralan namin. Unang una, alalamin namin kung pwede pa kami (DOJ) magpa-reconsider. Sana may ganoong option available under their (Malaysian) laws.

“We are committed to exert   means on how to really make Amalilio face our justice system for him to account for his alleged crimes,” De Lima said.

The DOJ has yet to secure a written document on Malaysia’s denial of the extradition plea.

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