Bandar Seri Begawan - A Filipino national facing the death sentence for his alleged involvement in the murder of a senior citizen early last month was brought before the Magistrate's Court in the capital yesterday where the Public Prosecutor added three more charges against the 29-year-old man.

Cyrile Navarro Tagapan now faces imprisonment for life under Section 436 of the Penal Code for intentionally committing mischief by allegedly setting on fire two sofa chairs and one dining table inside the house occupied by the victim, Abdullah bin Haji Hamid, with the intention to destroy the dwelling.

The third charge involves the alleged theft of properties from the dwelling including a mobile phone, a computer laptop, a small bag containing a wallet and cash amounting to $50 belonging to the victim, punishable under Section 380 of the Penal Code whilst the fourth charge is for allegedly stealing the victim's car, punishable under Section 379 of the Penal Code.

Both offences are punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, or a fine or both.

No plea has been recorded for the additional charges.

Prosecuted by Pg Hajah Hana Molina binti Pg Haji Mohammad, the court was told that the prosecution was applying for a preliminary inquiry in relation to the murder charge in three months' time pending forensic reports from Singapore. The presiding Senior Magistrate, Pg Masni Pg Hj Bahar, fixed December 13, 2012 to accommodate this request.

It was also stated that the prosecution had applied for the case to be remitted to the High Court only in relation to the bail application and this was granted by the court. A date will be fixed for the mention in due course.

The first charge brought against the defendant in mid-August is read under Section 302 of the Penal Code punishable by death. He was arrested at his staff quarters in Kampong Jangsak at around 1.28am on August 14 and his identity was revealed when police personnel tracked the defendant through the victim's missing phone.

The victim was a 61-year-old retiree who resided alone in Kampong Rimba.

The defendant, meanwhile, has been ordered to be remanded for two more weeks at the Jerudong Prison while waiting for the High Court date.