By Ellaine Fuentes
His birth was punctuated by the stillness of night, as if the event was worthy of nothing less. First born and the only boy in a brood of five, Muhammad held a special place in the household, by no special virtue, other than that of being born.
His childhood was peppered by an ordinary sprinkling of adventure and misadventure, accessorized by laughter and random tears. His teen years revealed him to be a fine young man in the making, with quite a tender heart; especially towards his mother. They developed quite a special bond, since his father had to leave to work overseas. He was always diligent with money, respectful towards the elders and quite protective over his younger siblings.
All of these memories bundled together, now render Norhata Dimakuta, the mother, with indefatigable strength. Yet, at the same time, reduces her to a puddle of misery.
On June 28, 2013, her first born and only son was abducted while on his way home from school. He was mistaken as the son of a rich businessman.
Despite the trauma and sense of panic, the family submitted to the rules of procedure dictated by the laws of the land. Police reports were filed. Hours upon hours of legwork and toil doing follow ups until finally everything came to fruition. Warrants of Arrest were issued by the court, based on investigative merits.
Then a new heartbreak begins.
In an interview by AgilaBalita Alas-12’s Angelo Palmones, Norhata tearfully narrated the following
The prime suspects, Jalud Macaraya and Ahmad Angad Jr. both Muslims are allegedly being held (and protected) by one of the top commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF in Buwalan Barit Balindong Lanao Del Sur. They refuse to surrender the suspects. What is worse is that reports reveal that suspect Jalud Macaraya is brother to James Macaraya, a supposed member of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group for the MILF side. This group allegedly wants to submit this kidnapping case to the Shariya Court. This is not allowed since the purported crime happened in the City of Quezon.
Still not losing hope, Norhata went to and submitted letters of appeal and notification to authorities they believed had jurisdiction and say over this matter.
These include:
The OPAPP – which is in direct communication with the MILF and created the AHJAG, specifically to address the security coordination between the PGH and the MILF regarding lawless elements.
The Department of Justice
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima
The National Bureau of Investigation
former Police Director General Alan Purisima
Mr. MohagherIqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, chair, Government Peace Negotiating Panel
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas
Ms. Teresita Deles, Secertary, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Senators Teofisto Guingona III, Grace Poe, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Alan Peter Cayetano, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, and Bam Aquino
In the same interview, Norhata revealed that she is fearful about the passage of the BBL. She poses the question, “If even Muslims cannot be guaranteed fairness and justice, how much more the non-Muslims? How can the MILF defy the laws of the land by stating they are doing their own investigation before they surrender the suspects? How can there be peace?”
Two years is an eternity for a mother who longs for her son. This, aggravated by the fact that her husband, is so far away, being an OFW toiling in the Middle East. All of them are placed in this agonizing situation.
The Dimakutas propose an appeal to any and all who can help uphold due process and the rule of law. Norhata says it is the only hope they have of ever finding the fate of their son. (Eagle News Service)
