MANILA – Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III's adviser Pastor Boy Saycon was served with a subpoena in his Makati office by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Kiram's spokesman Abraham Idjirani said the NBI ordered Saycon to appear in the NBI office in Manila on Tuesday.

Saycon is part of the Council of Philippine Affairs (COPA) and has been linked to destabilization plots in previous administrations.

Idjirani, who has not received a copy of the subpoena, said that this is in connection with him being a close friend and supporter of Kiram.

He said the NBI may want to question him on his participation in the ongoing standoff in Sabah.

"Is it a violation or a sin if you will fight for your own rights?" Idjirani asked.

He said Kiram’s supporters are unfazed by this as many lawyers are volunteering their legal service to them for free.

The spokesman also said that a humanitarian lawyer has proposed lodging a complaint on the International Court of Justice on behalf of the Sultanate of Sulu against the Malaysian government and Prime Minister Najib Razak on the ongoing “atrocities” in Sabah.

Addressing questions on the presence of NBI agents inside the Kiram's residence, Idjirani said they do not mind, saying they are welcome to have a look around as it suits them.