Hataman on Muslim trader slay: ‘Reprehensible’ cops allegedly behind ‘savagery’

House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman has called the alleged involvement of police officers in the killing of a Muslim trader in Nueva Ecija as “reprehensible” as the incident was a condemnable “savagery.”

Hataman in a statement Wednesday pressed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an exhaustive investigation and accordingly bring those responsible for the crime to justice.

“It is reprehensible to think that those who are supposed to protect and serve the people are the same ones behind this savagery,” the lawmaker said. “Sobra itong nakakagalit at marapat lamang na imbestigahan ito ng PNP at papanagutin ang mga may sala.”

(This is very infuriating and it is only right that the PNP investigate this and hold perpetrators accountable.)

“Hustisya ang isinisigaw ng mga kaanak at kaibigan ni Nadia Casar, pati na rin ng buong Muslim community sa bansa. Hers was a life cut short because of the greed of people, people who are supposed to protect her in the first place,” he continued.

(Friends and relatives of Nadia Casar, including the whole Muslim community in the country, are calling for justice. Hers was a life cut short because of the greed of people, people who are supposed to protect her in the first place.)

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar confirmed that five Nueva Ecija police officers were tagged in the kidnap-slay online seller Nadia Casar. Eleazar has since vowed to get to the bottom of the gruesome incident.

Reports released by Eleazar showed that Casar and a transport network service driver were kidnapped by five armed men last July 20 in Barangay Tagpos in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

READ: 5 Nueva Ecija cops linked to kidnap-slay of online seller

While the driver was robbed of his cellphone and money amounting to P4,500, he was eventually released by the suspects. However, Casar’s charred body was found in Sitio Pinagpala, Palayan City in Nueva Ecija.

“Ang mga ganitong utak kriminal at sagad sa buto ang kasamaan ay nababagay mabulok sa kulungan,” Eleazar said in a statement.

(These criminal-minded people who are wicked to the bone deserve to rot in prison.)

The PNP identified those allegedly involved in the killing of Casar as PSSg. Benedict Matias Reyes, PSSg. June Malillin,  PCpl. Julius Alcantara,  PMsg. Rowen Martin, PSSg. Drextemir Esmundo, and private citizens Franklin Macapagal and Dario Robarios.

According to Hataman, incidents of Muslim businesspersons being harassed or attacked are not new, but one that happens repeatedly.  He mentioned that last September 2020 a Muslim couple who hailed from Lanao del Sur was killed in a robbery and shooting incident in Pasay City – which was allegedly committed by law enforcers.

“Madami na tayong reports ng mga kapatid nating Muslim, lalo na ‘yung mga negosyante, na kinikidnap, pinagnanakawan at pinapatay pa. I urge the PNP to investigate the occurrences of crimes perpetrated by wayward members of the police against Muslims. Para matigil na ang ganitong klaseng mga insidente,” he said.

(There have been many reports about our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially traders and business people, being kidnapped, robbed, and even killed. I urge the PNP to investigate the occurrences of crimes perpetrated by wayward members of the police against Muslims. So that these incidents would stop.)

“At sana rin, magkaroon ng malinaw na polisya ang PNP ng anti-discrimination para sa mga kapatid nating Moro, lalo na yung nabibiktima ng human rights violation at profiling. Handang makipagtulungan ang ating tanggapan kay PNP Chief Gen. Eleazar tungkol dito,” he added.

(And also, we hope there would be a clear policy from the PNP about anti-discrimination for our Moro brothers and sisters, especially those who are victims of human rights violation and profiling. Our office is ready to coordinate and help PNP Chief Gen. Eleazar regarding this issue.)

KGA