NBI wraps up probe on Sabah standoff

Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation has wrapped up its investigation into a failed bid by over 200 armed followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III to reclaim Sabah in February.

A report on the standoff that left 68 Filipinos and 10 Malaysian security personnel dead has been submitted to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, NBI Deputy Director for Regional Operations Virgilio Mendez told reporters Tuesday.

De Lima, however, was mum about the findings that will serve as basis for filing charges against Kiram and his followers. The NBI is also identifying the alleged financiers and conspirators of the Kiram family.

She earlier said that it would first be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III and it would up to the President to authorize its release to the public.