Monday, August 07, 2006

Moro group denounces arrest of Muslim clerics

A MORO human rights group condemned the continuous abduction of Muslim religious leaders in Mindanao and tagging them as terrorists.
In a statement, Kawagib spokesperson Sittie Rajabia Sundang said the latest victim is Ustadz Kusain Abedin, 31, an active member of the United Youth for Peace and Development -- a non-government organization.
Abedin was allegedly abducted by the elements of Task Group Tugis of the Philippine Army under 6th Infantry Division and the Military Intelligence Group last August 3 at around 6:45 p.m., a few minutes after he arrived at the Weena Bus Terminal along Don Rufino Alonzo Street, Cotabato City.
“More or less 10 soldiers immediately went inside the bus and held my hands. They did not even show me the warrant,” Kawagib quoted Abedin as saying.
Sundang said Colonel Salvador Calanoy, commanding officer of Task Force Tugis, showed to them the photocopy of the arrest warrant but Abedin's name wasn't on the list.
Kawagib and the counsel of Abedin questioned the warrant of arrest presented to them, forcing Calanoy to turn Abedin to the custody of his counsel last Friday.
The group blamed the Arroyo administration for legalizing "warrantless arrests and searches, indiscriminate firings in Moro communities."
"The bombings of the Bangsamoro communities on allegations of being haven of domestic and international terrorists were conducted at whim, highly degrading the rights and welfare of the innocent civilians," the group said. (PRESS RELEASE)

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