Detained former senator Leila de Lima (file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood Padilla on Thursday said he has visited detained former senator Leila de Lima in Camp Crame and explained to her that the hostage-taking incident carried out by an Abu Sayyaf member is not part of the teachings of Islam.
De Lima, who is detained in Camp Crame, was held hostage last Sunday by fellow detainee Feliciano Sulayao Jr.
Padilla said that his visit last Wednesday was not as a senator but as a Muslim and a fellow Bicolano.
“Gusto ko po iparating sa kanya, kung anumang ginawa nitong Abu Sayyaf, ang nagawa nilang hindi maganda, nagawa nilang kaguluhan, terorismo o pananakot, yan ay hindi katuruan ng Islam,” he said.
(I wanted to let her know that the offenses committed by the Abu Sayyaf members do not reflect Islamic doctrines.)
Padilla said he had discussed the possibility of home furlough for De Lima but Philippine National Police chief Gen. Adolfo Azurin Jr. said the former senator chose to stay in Camp Crame.
“Nirerespeto natin yan (We respect that),” he said.
He also thanked Azurin for his public apology over the improper use of the word “Muslim” by some police officers in referring to the hostage-takers.