Hataman condemns ‘culture of violence’ on social media
FILE PHOTO: Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman has denounced the “culture of violence” on social media as some netizens nod at the actions of the suspect in the brazen gun attack at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City last July 24.
Hataman stressed during a privilege speech Tuesday in the House of Representatives that the act of condoning violence is not part of the Filipino identity.
On social media, some netizens praised Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol who shot dead former Lamitan mayor Rose Furigay, her bodyguard, and a university security guard last week. Furigay’s daughter was also wounded in the incident.
READ: Ex-Lamitan mayor, aide, guard killed in Ateneo shooting
“Huwag sana natin hayaan na masasanay tayo sa isang kultura ng karahasan. Hindi ‘yan ang pagkatao natin bilang mga Pilipino. At higit sa lahat, hindi ‘yan ang kulturang nais nating ipamana sa ating mga anak at sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” Hataman said.
The lawmaker, who is also a former governor of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said there is no justifiable reason to encourage murder, especially if the victims are innocent.
Hataman also raised these questions during his speech: “Such skewed beliefs are now being honored and applauded on social media. Nakakabahala ang mga sumunod na pangyayari […] How can someone fashion himself to be a hero kung alam niyang pumatay siya ng mga inosente? Paano si Victor George Capistrano? Paano ang nadamay niyang Ateneo security guard na si Jeneven Bandiala? Paano ang malubhang nasugatang anak ni Mayor Rose?”
“Ito ang lubha kong ikinakabahala, Mr. Speaker, ang paglaganap ng kultura ng karahasan sa ating lipunan. At hindi nakakatulong na ginagawang bayani ang pumapatay ng tao lalo’t kung inosente pa ang mga ito,” he added.
Hataman was referring to the allegations raised by Yumol and some of his sympathizers that the Furigays are involved in the illegal drug trade – which, the lawmaker said, appears to be baseless because Mayor Furigay was recognized for good governance several times by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Alam naman nating ang Lamitan dati ay pinadapa ng digmaan at terorismo, pero sa siyam na taong panunungkulan ni Mayor Rose, naibangon nito ang imahe ng lungsod at apat na beses pang naging recipient ng SGLG o Seal of Good Local Governance mula sa DILG noong mga taong 2016 hanggang 2019, bago dumating ang pandemya,” he said.
Yumol was arrested shortly after the gun attack at the Ateneo de Manila University’s law school graduation in which Furigay’s daughter was a graduating student.
Hataman and other observers said the feud between Yumol and Furigay started when the former mayor implemented a directive from BARMM for the closure of Yumol’s clinic.
Thereafter, Yumol allegedly called out Furigay, prompting the former mayor’s camp to file cyber libel charges against the suspect.
READ: Physician in former mayor’s slay moved to Payatas jail
Hataman said he understands that the issue he raised borders on the sensitive matter of the difference between protected speech and unprotected speech under the 1987 Constitution and the principle of freedom of expression.
But he pointed out that something must be done if people encourage or condone a crime – like in the case of Yumol.
“Alam po natin, Mr. Speaker, na bumabaybay tayo sa maselang usapin ng pagkakaiba ng protected speech at unprotected speech sa ilalim ng ating Saligang Batas at sa ilalim ng prinsipyo ng freedom of expression. Hindi natin kailanman isusulong ang anumang panukalang magsasagka o lalapastangan sa ating kalayaan sa pagpapahayag ng saloobin,” he explained.
“Pero paano kung ang saloobin ay sumusuporta o nang-eengganyo na gumawa ng isang krimen? Lalo na ngayon, Mr. Speaker, na halos hindi mo na masundan ang mga sinasabi ng mga tao sa social media. Nakita natin nitong nakaraang halalan lamang na napakaraming libelous statements ang ipinukol sa maraming tao, pero dahil sa social media inilabas, napakahirap habulin,” he added.
