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Monday, March 14, 2005
Davao mayor admits Tausug deputy has 'links' to Sayyaf
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte admitted Sunday his deputy mayor could have links with a terrorist group as his sister is married to former Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya.
Authorities arrested Tausug deputy mayor Hadji Masil Ahalon Saturday morning on suspicion that he is an Abu Sayyaf member. Duterte though does not believe that Masil is a terrorist.
Duterte said he personally knows Masil for almost 10 years now.
The mayor said that Masil could have been giving some support to the terrorist group in his own little way but there's nothing wrong or unusual in this because many Muslims in Davao help the Abu Sayyaf in their own small way.
The small acts cannot be taken against the ordinary Muslims, he said, because there is nothing in the law that prohibits these. Giving aid to enemies of the state only becomes a crime when the country is in a state of war, he said.
The mayor is also inclined to believe that Masil could have had links with the Abu Sayyaf because his sister is married to Abu Sabaya, the Abu Sayyaf spokesman that government troops claimed they killed. His body was never found though.
"Hindi naman krimen ang pagsuporta eh. Kung krimen yan eh di hutdon na lang nila ug dakop ang mga Muslim dinhi sa Davao," Duterte said. (I don't think this support is a crime. If it is, then they should arrest all the Muslims here in Davao.)
Duterte said Masil is a very religious and a principled man, and added the deputy mayor even admitted having killed someone in Jolo or Basilan before coming to Davao more than a decade ago.
Masil was arrested by authorities along San Pedro extension and Quezon Boulevard in Davao City at around 8 a.m. Saturday.
Duterte said Masil was immediately brought to Manila by the apprehending officers for security reasons.
Masil is said to be facing a murder charge.
For his part, Duterte advised the deputy mayor to face the charges against him but added that if ever he gets bail he can always come back to Davao City and work for his administration.
"I stand by my choice of Masil. I suggest he face charges and maybe apply for bail. Then come back home and work again," Duterte said. (BOT)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 14, 2005 issue)
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