Mangudadatu rival faces kidnap charges in DOJ

MANILA, Philippines - The rival of re-electionist Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu in the May polls will start his campaign this weekend while facing criminal investigation.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tocao Mastura, United Nationalist Alliance’s bet against Mangudadatu, has been charged with kidnapping or illegal detention and serious physical injuries yesterday in the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila.

The complaint was filed by Aisha Camsa, wife of Rajah Buayan town mayoral candidate Jaiton Camsa who alleged that Mastura seized and detained her for about a month in March 2007.

In a five-page complaint, she recalled she went to Mastura’s residence in Shariff Kabunsuan town on March 9, 2007 for a get-together upon the invitation of his wife Maruja, a member of the Ampatuan clan.

After the meal, the complainant alleged that Mastura’s wife suddenly slapped her on the face while the mayor repeatedly punched her on the shoulder.

The mayor, according to Camsa, then demanded P5 million and a land title in Isulan from her husband in exchange for her release.

She also alleged that Mastura threatened to kill all members of her family if her husband would not show up within a week.

She said she was first detained in Mastura’s residence and was later transferred from one safehouse to another.

She recalled that she got her freedom on April 10, 2007 after her husband, with the help of their friend Paul Santos, rescued her.

“I have attempted so many times to report this incident to the police but no one wanted to accept my report,” she said.

In a separate affidavit, her husband supported her claim.

At first, he said he declined to give the land title to Mastura since he believed the mayor would be held criminally liable if he would kill his wife.

But after the repeated pleas of his wife, he said he finally gave in to Mastura’s demand and gave the land title in exchange for her freedom.

Mastura, however, allegedly changed his mind, saying he would only let her free if her husband paid the P5 million. The complainant’s husband then sought the help of their elders, including the Ampatuans, for the release of his wife and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division but to no avail.

As last resort, he sought the help of Santos who came up with a plan to rescue his wife. It was only on April 10, 2007 when she was able to escape from the Masturas with Santos’ assistance.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she would create a panel that would handle the case against Mastura.  “They want the preliminary investigation to be conducted in the (DOJ) main office rather than in the provincial prosecutor’s office because you know these are powerful personalities,” De Lima said.