Hataman condemns beheading of soldier
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman on Sunday condemned the beheading of a government soldier by his Abu Sayyaf abductors in Sulu.
Hataman in a statement said the killing of Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji goes “against the grain of our humanity, [and] continuously hampers our efforts towards peace and justice within our shores.”
“These bandits – cowards who have no honor and no shame – have betrayed the cause which our most faithful mujahideens have fought for. These terrorists have no claim to the values of Islam, nor to the brave and dignified history of our people,” Hataman said.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, earlier confirmed the beheading, saying Siraji’s head and body were recovered in Barangay Taglibis in Patikul town on Sunday.
Siraji was abducted Thursday morning in Igasan village, Patikul.
Siraji, a Taosug Muslim native of Sulu, was a former combatant of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Hataman said government forces “will be continuing its intensified law enforcement operations against the Abu Sayyaf in the island provinces and adjacent areas.”
“Rest assured that the regional government will continue to support all efforts against terrorism in the region, while ensuring the safety and welfare of our people,” he added.
