News about the kidnapping of ABS-CBN anchor Ces Drilon, her crew and MSU-Sulu Prof. Octavio Dinampo by an Abu Sayyaf commander has once again brought the lawlessness in Sulu to center stage.  Prof. Dinampo has been released (Prof. Dinampo’s family says the professor has not been released). 

Prof. Dinampo has been released (as of 2:30 p.m., Prof. Dinampo’s family says the professor has not been released). Although it has come to our attention that Ms. Drilon did not inform the military or the local government about her activities in Sulu, relying instead on Prof. Dinampo, we appeal to the authorities to exert all peaceful efforts to secure the safe release of the kidnap victims.  We pray that this appalling incident will not be the trigger for another all-out war operation.  

We appeal to MNLF Chair Nur Misuari to use his influence in Sulu to help secure their freedom and preserve what little peace we have in Sulu.  We call on our ulama to use their moral authority and help release  Ms. Drilon and her crew.

We call on all our brothers and sisters in Sulu to resist these un-Islamic, criminal armed groups in our province who are not fighting for a just cause  and have done nothing but bring suffering to our people.  If we do nothing when they commit criminal acts and attack civilians, even one of our own, then we should all realize that any one of us can be next. 

Amina Rasul
Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy 

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