Spate of illegal arrests in Basilan alarms ARMM guv

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman on Thursday revealed the series of possible illegal arrests of suspected members of the bandit group, Abu Sayyaf, in Basilan province.

Reports said that the series of arrests of suspected Abu Sayyaf members were carried out by intelligence units on plainclothes.

Hataman said that the number of arrests of innocent suspects has reached an alarming level and residents of the province are terrified.

He said that he has met with Basilan Gov. Jum akbar and Vice Govover Al-Rasheed Sakalahul and discussed measures to stop the “indiscriminate” arrests.

He said that according to reports the intelligence agents are members of wht Philippine Natgional Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group based in the region.

“I have prepared the reports of the number of cases of illegally arrested and will be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III so he will know the condition of the people terrorized by these intelligence operatives,” Hataman said.

He added: “The president will be informed of the alarming [number] of arrests of innocent victims."

Hataman said he is not against the arrest of Abu Sayyaf suspects. However, he said, that the authorities should have enough evidence that the people they will apprehend are real suspects.

He said the latest victim of illegal arrest was Romy Sumanpil, cousin of Basilan Asscoiation of Barangay Council (ABC) chairman Manan Sumanpil.

Another victim of the "indiscriminate" arrest was the barangay captian of Lantawan.

“Mamaya maubos na ang resident ng Basilan dahil sa mistaken arrest na 'yan,” Hataman said.

Hataman suspected that the intelligence operatives are after the rewards put up by the government for the arrest of Abu Sayyaf members.

“Because of the rewards some might be [using] the victims to collect the rewards,” the acting ARMM governor added.

“We can no longer tolerate this abuse. If they are brave enough they should run after the real Abu Sayyaf like Khair Mundos and the others who are just there in the mountains and not the civilians,” Hataman said.

Hataman vowed to file cases against the security operatives who are involved in the indiscriminate arrest.