KOTA KINABALU: An accused in the Lahad Datu intrusion trial had his statement recorded twice, the High Court, here, was told yesterday.
Former criminal investigating officer, ASP Vernon Sinclair Dalton Doel said he recorded Holland Kalbi’s statement on March 4, 2013 at the General Operations Force (GOF) 17th Battalion’s multipurpose hall and on March 9, 2013 at the Criminal Division of the Lahad Datu police headquarters.
“I recorded the statements of more than 10 suspects throughout Op Daulat. But most of them involved immigration cases.
“I was made to understand that one of the suspects by the name of Holland bin Kalbi was charged in court,” he said.
Vernon Sinclair, who is now officer-in-charge of the Labuan police station, was testifying at the trial of 30 individuals linked to an intrusion by Sulu gunmen at Kampung Tanduo in February 2013.
To a question by Deputy Public Prosecutor Jamil Aripin, the police officer said Holland’s statement was recorded in the Bajau Simunul language and Corporal Adam Mohd Nor acted as interpreter. In the dock were 27 Filipinos and three local residents who are facing one to multiple charges of being members of a terrorist group and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
They are also alleged to have recruited members for a terrorist group or wilfully harboured individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group. The offences were allegedly committed between Feb 12 and April 10, 2013.
The hearing before Justice Stephen Chung at the Sabah Prisons Department, continues today. — Bernama