Three Muslim Scholars Missing

  On January 3, 2012, Najir Ahung, 38, Rasdie Kasaran, 21 and Yusup Mohammad, 19 all from Al-Barka, Basilan travelled from Zamboanga to Manila via Air Philippines as scholars of the International University of Africa in Sudan. They were scheduled to leave for Khartoum, Sudan via Qatar Airways at 12:10 a.m. of January 4, 2012. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Najir Ahung was able to send an SMS message to his brother, Barangay Captain Jamih Arawi of Barangay Guinanta, Al-Barka, Basilan confirming that they have arrived in Manila.

The families have not received any information from the students since. The three scholars were scheduled to be picked up at the Khartoum International Airport by one of Najir Ahung’s relative, Hassaid Ahum, another scholar based in Sudan. Ahum along with others waited for hours at the airport but the group did not arrive. He called Najir’s brother, Barangay Captain Arawi and reported that the group did not reach Khartoum. The family repeatedly called the students in their mobile phones but the lines were unattended. Captain Arawi then travelled to Zamboanga to verify with their travel agency if the passengers were able to board the booked flight to Khartoum. The Airphil travel agency assured the barangay captain of the group’s arrival in Sudan.

After receiving the confirmation, he called Ahum to verify if he was able to trace the whereabouts of the students. It was verified that the students did not reach Khartoum. Captain Arawi returned to the travel agency on January 9 to clarify their earlier claim. The agency rechecked their flight and informed the family that the airline ticket was unused and they can file a claim for refund. He then went to Basilan vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul to seek help. Vice Governor Sakalahul inquired with the military in the area but he was told that the three were not in their custody.

The family believes that government authorities have taken the students in custody. The three scholars are Muslims and residents of Al-Barka, Basilan. Their disappearance occurred in the wake of the controversy over the “300 John Doe” complaint-affidavit filed by the AFP against residents of Al-Barka, and amidst the Aquino government’s claim of a terrorist attack during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

FIND Intervened

On 19 January 2012, FIND met with Barangay Captain Arawi and four other relatives and friends of the victims at the FIND office and discussed more about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the three victims and planned on the next actions to take. Together with two FIND staff members, they proceeded to the Commission on Human Rights for assistance.

The following day January 20, 2012, FIND sought the intervention of AFP Human Rights Office Chief Colonel Domingo Tutaan in the search for the said missing students. According to him, initial reports that he gathered from AFP units indicated negative results but that investigation is ongoing. Earlier, on 18th January, Colonel Henry Libay of Task Force USIG informed FIND that the three are nowhere in Camp Crame and other PNP units. He however said that they have sent a memorandum to their NCR office and are still awaiting reports.

http://www.find.org.ph/news/28-three-muslim-scholars-missing