Davao City - Human rights and nongovernment groups in Mindanao have been protesting the passage of Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act, saying it is "basically a declaration of war against Muslims."
Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, deputy director of the nongovernment group Initiatives for International Dialogue, said the law is an "affront to the liberties of Muslims" because it tends to tag Muslims as terrorists.
"The profiling being done, as justified by the law, tends to provide an image of Muslims as lawless elements," Arnado said in a forum held in Davao City.
She said the law tends to substantiate the belief that the government has an "unfinished business in Mindanao."
Sammy Buat, head of the Muslim group Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, said Muslims will become victims of the law.
He said his office in Cotabato City has received reports of illegal arrests of Muslim activists.
"There were no substantial evidence as to what our activists have violated, but because they are critical and vocal against the government, they are perceived as enemies," Buat said.
Arnado said a development worker has also been arrested in Cotabato City.
"He was surprised because when the bus arrived in Cotabato, he was surrounded by soldiers," Arnado said. She refused to reveal the name of the arrested activist.
Arnado warned that the new law may also affect the peace process in Mindanao.
Source: www.gmanews.tv (18 Oktober 2007)
