By Billy Begas

Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Wednesday said the seven Muslims who were arrested by the police in Bacoor, Cavite are still missing.

In his privilege speech, Hataman appealed to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the National Capital Region Police Office to extend some kindness to the family and tell them where they are detained.

“This happened more than a week ago, Mr. Speaker. Walang nangyaring pasabi sa mga kaanak. Hanggang ngayon, walang makapagsabi kung nasaan sila. Hinanap namin sila sa Bacoor Police, hindi nila alam kung nasaan. Hinanap namin sa Camp Crame at Camp Bagong Diwa wala din daw doon,” said Hataman.

The House leader narrated that on February 17, the police went to a construction site in Bacoor, Cavite. Eleven individuals inside were asked who among them are Muslims while lying face down. Seven of them are Muslims.

“Walang makasagot sa maraming tanong na tumatakbo sa isip ng kanilang mga pamilya: Nasaan na sila? Bakit sila inaresto? Bakit hanggang ngayon walang makapagbigay na malinaw na detalye at paliwanag ang mga umaresto sa kanila? Buhay pa ba sila?” the solon said.

He said the arrest of seven Muslims happened after the new Anti-Terrorism law was enacted. “Kaya kailangan natin itong tutukan—to ensure that the safeguards under this law, and indeed under the Constitution are being followed.”

Hataman said that on February 16, men who identified themselves as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation took a Muslim couple—Muslimen Saban Mantawi and Bai Monerah Saban while standing in front of their placement agency in Malate, Manila.

Two others– Solaiman Baonto Muhammad left his house to pray and never returned on February 19 and Abdulmuin Tula who were abducted by armed men on January 19, added to the long list of missing Muslims according to Hataman.

Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan joined Hataman in calling for an investigation by the House of Representatives.