Relatives of a Maranaw who was reportedly “seized” by armed men who introduced themselves as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Quiapo, Manila two weeks ago are appealing for his safe release.
Otto Jamel, 45, a trader from Ganassi, Lanao del Sur, was reportedly “arrested” by pistol-wielding men, who claimed to be members of the NBI and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), while on his way to the Golden Mosque in Quiapo to perform magreb, or nighttime prayer.
“We haven’t heard from him since. We are worried for his safety now,” Jamel’s cousin, Samer, a barter trader in Cotabato City, told reporters.
The incident was first relayed to media outfits in Cotabato City by Rais Aguam, an employee of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) in Manila.
Aguam said he has informed Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita of the incident, and Ermita promised to ask the NBI and ISAFP if they have Jamel in custody.
“Jamel’s mother, wife and children only want to know if he is safe. They want him released if he has not committed any criminal offense,” Aguam said. – John Unson