SOLIDARITY STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MARCH 14, 2014 INDIGNATION RALLY AGAINST THE SERIES OF KIDNAPPINGS IN SULU “STOP THE KIDNAPPINGS, EXPOSE THE CONSPIRACY BETWEEN AND AMONG THE KIDNAPPERS, LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES, DOJ AND NCMF OFFICIALS” With the spate of kidnappings happening, there is no doubt that Sulu is now the kidnapping capital of the world. Just barely finishing the first quarter of 2014, more than 50 persons were already kidnapped in Sulu. Young and old, rich and poor, professionals and government officials have fallen victims over these senseless kidnappings. What is new is that the kidnappers are not just targeting foreigners, journalists, donors and humanitarian workers but also ordinary Tausugs even those who barely make both ends meet. This is no different from the cannibalism of the savage times when dog eats dog. How can kidnapping thrive in a tiny, albeit highly militarised island like Sulu? It is only thriving because of the complicity of the local chief executives who protect kidnappers. In as much as we condemn the kidnappings, we must not lose sight of the fact that the problem persists because of the culture of impunity that hardly respect human rights and the rule of law. The case of SALI SAID, ROBIN SAHIYAL AND JULHAMAD AHADI is a classic example of how the provincial government of Sulu protects hard core Abu Sayyaf kidnappers. Unless Gov. Sakur Tan, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Department of Justice are held accountable over Sali Said’s suspicious release from the Special Intensive Care Area of Camp Bagong Diwa, we should not and cannot expect the kidnappings to stop. And it is not only the Abu Sayyaf who are responsible for the recent kidnap-pings. Drug addicts abound Lupah Sug — and they too are untouchable. Are the Tausugs simply clueless to also elect known drug addicts into the Mayor’s office? How did this brand of politicians manage to win the votes of the Tausugs? Is this the case of the kind of people we are deserves the kind of government we have? Lupah Sug prides itself to be leading force in the revolutionary ferment of the Bangsamoro. It is ironic that despite the numerous professionals, intellectuals, revolutionaries and freedom fighters that we have among our people, the entire Bangsa Sug still remain hostage to the corrupt traditional politicians who have robbed us of basic services and protection. Until when shall we remain silent? Until when can we live in fear? How long does it take for us to wake up and stand up against political leaders who have divested us of our freedom from fear, insecurity and violence? Should we wait until your own mother is also kidnapped? Should we wait until your father, a sibling or your own child will be kidnapped? Should you wait until you yourself will be kidnapped? It is already written in history that the Tausugs are the fiercest fighters of freedom and liberty. What happened to us in this so-called modern democratic days? We can even hardly spot who the enemy is? What ransom must be paid for the Bangsa Sug to break the chain of oppression and demand accountability from our very own political leaders? The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We cannot continue to live in fear and apathy. We need to demand from government its state responsibility to protect its own people. If the local chief executives, military and the police could no longer fulfil this duty, it is high time for them to resign from their positions. (30) Free Cocoy Tulawie Movement BAWGBUG MNLF-Arakan Darul-Ifta Mindanao Concerned Citizens of Sulu Sihnag Lupah Sug NURUNNISAH NURUNMUSTAPHA Balik Islam Pilipinas Maranao Peoples Development Center Mindanao Peoples Caucus Bangsamoro Women Development Initiatives United Youth for Peace and Development AKBAYAN Alliance of Progressive Labor Indigenous Peoples Center for Development Services (IPCDS) One-People Mindanao Pakigdait Incorporated Datu Nogan Clan Association Mindanao Peace Partners AMIN Learned Kagan Muslim Association United Youth Philippines Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates Freedom from Debt Coalition Kagan Peoples Forum Pambansang Kilusan sa Demokrasya Reform ARMM Now Panagtagbo-Mindanao Federation of Matigsalug and Manobo Council of Elders Lupah Sug Women Solidarity Forum Mindanao Alliance for Peace and Development Task Force Detainees of the Philippines SELDA-Greater Davao Claimants 1081 Peace Advocates for Healing and Justice (PATH) Tripeople Commission Mindanao Legal Alternative Center Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace Moro Women for Development and Empowerment, Inc.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 08:07:30 +0000
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