Hataman prefers intensified, participative” drive vs. ASG than Martial Law in Sulu, Basilan

COTABATO CITY -- Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is opposed to idea putting Sulu and Basilan under Martial Law to contain, once and for all, the extremists Abu Sayyaf Group.Calls for putting the island province, one of the component provinces of ARMM, under military rule mounted after another Canadian hostage was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf.Of the four captives taken in Samal island resort last September, only two are still alive. They are the Norwegian national and the girlfriend of Canadian Robert Hall. Hall’s head was found near Jolo Cathedral on Tuesday.Fear of human rights abusesHataman, a human rights advocate-turned partylist lawmaker, said although he supports all efforts to cripple the ASG, he will oppose military rule. There are better options that will not trigger human rights abuses,” Hataman said in a phone interview.

It’s not necessary, no need as of this time, the Martial Law experienced by Moros in Mindanao has been traumatic,” he said. Other option Instead, Hataman has proposed well-coordinated, intensified and participative” law enforcement operations. It would mean simultaneous military offensives in Sulu and Basilan where ASG, numbering only to about 300, are hiding. Sulu and Basilan at ASG’s comfort zones.” Why not we try it first, at least 3-6 months, I am willing to issue an Executive Order where we can bring out the civilians from their homes and put in one evacuation area then let the government attend to their needs while military operations against ASG is going on,” Hataman said.In the same breath, Hataman warned local officials down to the barangay level who will not participate in law enforcement against ASG.Local officials active roles Local officials who refuse to cooperate or suspected to be supporting, directly or indirectly, the Abu Sayyaf must be dealt with accordingly,” he added. If these village and town officials cannot act or will not cooperate, then it’s time for the government to hold them responsible and accountable for their actions or inaction,” he said, adding that the cycle of violence perpetrated by ASG must put stop. We really have to put an end to this vicious cycle of ASG violence because they destroy the image of Muslims,” Hataman stressed.'Unacceptable to Islam’

Meanwhile, aside from ARMM officials and Muslim clerics’ condemnation to the recent beheading of Canadian Robert Hall and earlier of John Ridsdel, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF), a major Muslim rebel group in Mindanao that signed a peace deal with Manila has also abhorred the beheading.
In a video posted in the internet, ASG members were seen chanting Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) while cutting off the victim’s head.

The act of ASG was not acceptable in Islam and we condemned it to the highest level,” MILF Vice-Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said. Like other Muslim leaders, Hataman condemned the beheading of kidnap another victim in Sulu.He described the Abu Sayyaf as people who tread the path of violence and claim to do it in the name of Islam are, without question, merely men of sin who distort a faith that stands for peace.” They are not our people,” he added. (Ferdinand Cabrera)