PRESS RELEASE

February 11, 2008


Suara Bangsamoro calls for justice to victims of US-led Sulu massacre, says perpetrators must be sentenced death in accordance with Islamic Laws


Davao City – Members of Suara Bangsamoro along with Khadidja Moro-women organization of Davao and Liga ng Kabataang Moro stage a protest action today to denounce the massacre in Maimbung, Sulu believed to be under the command of the US troops last February 4.

Suara Bangsamoro-Southern Mindanao acting Spokesperson, Hermeine Arendain said that the incident that happened last Monday is a concrete proof of a US-RP military sponsored terrorism under the guise of war against "terrorists".

 

"The US and the AFP have been treating Muslims as terrorists and we have been the common victims of their attacks. They can never hide the truth that they are the real terrorists," he said.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines have announced recently the suspension of more than 50 soldiers including three officers of the US-trained Army Light Reaction Company ( LRC) in line with the on going investigation into the death of eight (8) civilians including two children and a pregnant woman.

 

Arendain, pointing the past incidents of massacre in Moro communities, believes that there will be a big possibility of "whitewash" with the AFP's investigation.

 

Arendain challenges the AFP and the Arroyo government to grant the capital punishment to those soldiers who are culpable of this massacre. He stressed that this crime is punishable by death under the Shari'ah Laws in Islam.

 

"The US government have been commanding this puppet regime and its armed forces to terrorize our communities and massacre our brothers and sisters. We will never just wait and count more victims of this RP-US terror partnership" he said.

 

Suara Bangsamoro is also calling for the immediate pull-out of the US troops in Mindanao who have been here for the Joint US-RP military exercises. The group, along with other progressive organizations, will lead simultaneous protests against the continuous presence of US troops in the country.  

 

 

For reference:

 

 

Hermeinne Arendain

Suara Bangsamoro