OMA chief being targeted by al-Qaeda supporters?

The head of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) said yesterday assassins are out to get him because of his strong campaign against terrorists, particularly the al-Qaeda group of Osama bin Laden responsible for the Sept. 11 attack on the US.

"I have been receiving death threats because of my anti-terrorist stand," OMA executive director Undersecretary Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan told The STAR.

The OMA chief said he has beefed up his personal security and has coordinated with law enforcement agencies to neutralize the threat, which he said arose long before his deputy, Kharis Mikunog, was gunned down last week.

Ampatuan refused to comment on reports that those responsible for Mikunog’s death last week were actually waiting for him and that the deputy executive director was killed by mistake.

"The reports are all speculations. The police is investigating the case," he said.

Ampatuan said he has no idea about the particular group behind the death threats, but stressed it had something to do with his anti-terrorist stand.

He pointed out that he is not cowed by the death threats, saying he is already committed in supporting the fight against all form of terrorism in the country.

During the first year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack, Ampatuan issued a strong message against the al-Qaeda group, describing their terrorist attack on the US as a great disservice to Islam.

He has also denounced al-Qaeda for using mosques and religious schools to further their "unIslamic teachings."

"I am calling all peace loving Muslims in the country to be vigilant and watch out for any terrorist who will try to infiltrate mosques and madrasahs," he said in a statement.

The OMA chief vowed to use the available resources of his office to help the government in its war against terrorism.

He said President Arroyo has been very supportive and has vowed to release more for cultural and other activities of his agency.

"With the support of President Arroyo, I am fully confident that we will prevail," Ampatuan said.