Media Statement on the Recent Kidnapping of PECOJON Filmmaker and Journalist June 28, 2013 RELEASE ALL KIDNAP VICTIMS IN SULU, STOP RELEASING VALUED ABU SAYYAF GROUP FROM SICA JAIL! The Free Cocoy Tulawie Movement representing civil society organizations, peace advocates and human rights organizations, condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent spate of kidnapping of the Abu Sayyaf Group who once again managed to victimize this time, two independent film-makers and fellow human rights defenders, Linda and Nadjoua Bansil. We share the anxiety and fears of the family and friends of the victims as we also desire to extend whatever possible assistance in order to secure the immediate, unconditional and safe release of the victims. It boggles the mind of ordinary Filipinos and Moros why the ASG continues to commit kidnapping and acts of terrorism despite the massive counter-terrorism measures waged against them by the Philippine government. One factor that we can cite is the recent experience during the March 6, 2013 hearing of the criminal case filed by Governor Abdusakur Tan against Cocoy Tulawie before RTC-Manila Branch 19. The private complainant Governor Tan presented in court as his witness, Sali Said, who admitted that he is an active Abu Sayyaf member and son of ASG leader Abu Maas. He proudly admitted that he was involved in kidnapping Ces Drilon in 2008. Sali Said also admitted in open court that the lawyer of the governor worked out his papers for his release from the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) of Camp Bagong Diwa. He was released from SICA last February 15, 2013 through the legal aide program of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. In exchange of the big favour from the Governor of Sulu, Sali Said agreed to testify against Cocoy Tulawie. ASG inmates in SICA are allegedly lining up to testify against Cocoy Tulawie because if they do so, they will accordingly be released by Gov. Tan just like what happened to Sali Said. To date, there are many more suspected ASG inmates who of course agreed to testify so that they will be released from SICA. It is quite ironic and extremely disturbing that our soldiers are risking their lives and limbs fighting against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and yet we have witnessed their own self-confessed member freely walking out of the courtroom just because they are under the cloak of a powerful politician. While many of us pin our hopes on President Aquino’s “matuwid na daan” policy, it is depressing that the traditional politicians in Sulu continues to behave like they are above the law and act like sovereign kings who can command the release of even the most notorious terrorist and kidnapper like Sali Said. We strongly believe that what the Abu Sayyaf Group is doing is not only unislamic but is actually destroying Islam. The act of kidnapping innocent people, beheading, mutilation, and other forms of terrorism are not in accordance with the teaching and tradition of Prophet Muhammad (s.w.a.). Moreover, the Abu Sayyaf Group does not only victimize foreigners and non-Muslims but also ordinary Tausug and practicing Muslims such as Dinampo and Gumbahali. The ASG along with the traditional politicians and warlords in Sulu are the ones destroying the image of this once proud and thriving civilization of the Sultanate of Sulu. As we approached the holy month of Qur’an, the month of Ramdahan, we appeal to the conscience of the ASG, to release our sisters, Linda and Nadjoua Bansil, safely and unconditionally. We also urge the Ummah of Muhammad (s.w.a) especially in Sulu to include in their Du’a or supplication that the culture of impunity and corruption and the state of oppression and injustice will come to end and the real teaching and practice of Islam will finally flourish in the Bangsamoro homeland. We strongly urge President Aquino to probe deeper into this matter and ensure that the politicians in Sulu cannot play mockery of justice in order to promote their own political interests at the expense of the blood and tears of our young men and women in uniform who are fighting against the ASG in Sulu. Let the avowed “matuwid na daan” and reform of the ARMM finally reach the shore of Sulu. (30)
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 06:56:23 +0000
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