June 9, 2008

We, the officers and members of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus strongly condemn the abduction of our Chairman, Prof. Octavio Dinampo, Ces Drilon of ABS-CBN and her crew as we appeal to their abductors to immediately release them unconditionally.  Prof. Octa is a credible and well-respected leader from Sulu and a leading peace advocate in Mindanao.  He has been in the forefront of peace advocacy, good governance and relief and rehabilitation efforts in the conflict affected areas in Mindanao.  As a Convenor of the Bantay Ceasefire, Prof. Octavio has exemplified the ideals of active non-violence and the values of respect, tolerance and dialogue of life and faith.

Prof. Octa and Ms Drilon were on their way to Maimbung yesterday and were reportedly flagged down by armed men. They were not able to return back to the town of Jolo yesterday evening until this writing. The Dinampo family believes they could have been kidnapped, though they are yet to establish direct contact with the captors.

Prof. Octa has served as the link of Sulu to the outside world having developed good relations among civil society and the donor community in rehabilitating the war-ravaged communities in Sulu.  He has been a gracious and reliable guide of many visitors to Sulu and had consistently protected his visitors even at the risk of his own life. 

We, from the MPC had always felt we are safest in Sulu with Prof. Octa around us.  At this time when he has fallen victim of the very violence that he has been trying to overcome, we readily lend our moral support and prayers as we continue to move mountains and hound the heavens for his safety and early release.  

We appeal to the law enforcers and the military to exhaust all peaceful and traditional methods of negotiation in working out the release of the kidnap victims.  We also call on our religious leaders from both the Christian and Muslim faiths to extend whatever possible support.  Let this crisis see the strength of our solidarity and dialogue as brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

We wish to extend our prayers and support to the families and loved ones of the kidnap victims.  Rest assured that MPC will mobilize its Bantay Ceasefire volunteers, peace networks and allies especially among the grassroots to reclaim the freedom of our Chairman Prof. Octa, Ces Drilon and her companions.  Finally, we all join our hands and ask God, Allah and Magbabaya to bless and grant our prayers.

Council Officers

PROF. OCTAVIO DINAMPO

Chairman

FR. ROBERTO LAYSON, OMI

Co-Chairperson

TIMUAY MELANIO ULAMA

Co-Chairperson

ATTY. MARY ANN M. ARNADO

Secretary-General

USTADZ RAHIB KUDTO

Deputy Secretary General

Council Members:

BAE MAGDALENA SUHAT

BAE LISA SAWAY

PASTOR REU MONTECILLO

CESAR PABRO

REXALL KAALIM

BAPA JOE ACMAD

ANALIZA UGAY

SALIC IBRAHIM

LANNIE PANGGOL

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