CHR to Investigate Bullying and Harassment Complaints From Maute Relatives in Manila

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to conduct an investigation regarding complaints of some relatives of the Maute brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute living in Metro Manila. Allegedly, some Muslims in San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Marikina with the same surname are now being harrased and bullied in the neighborhood.

The harassment complaints were learned thru a dialogue by Eastern Police District (EPD) Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula with the Muslim community under his jurisdiction two weeks ago, during the height of the battle in Marawi City between the government troops and the terrorists Maute group. Most complainants said neighbors call them as terrorists.

According to a father of three children, his 10-year old daughter complains of being bullied in school because of her surname. The man, who did not reveal his name, admitted being a far relative of the Maute leaders. However, he clarified that he is not a terrorist, has not even been to Marawi for more than two decades, and has not yet met the Maute brothers.

Sapitula said that the most of the complainants have been residents of his area for decades. In fact, he noted that some of them have already stable jobs, while others have legitimate businesses. He emphasized that their complaints are being attended to,and assured them of their safety. However, a CHR official appears to be not contented.

“We have heard of these complaints since last month, and we have already talked to some of them. We also have also talked to the policemen who were assigned to investigate the cases.” CHR Metro Manila Assistant Director Guinigundo Macasaet said in a statement. However, he said that the bullying and harassment are still going on and getting worst.

“We are not saying that the police are not doing their job well. But still, we cannot deny that a few of them are crooks. The task of our agency to protect the human rights of every Filipino regardless of religion. Therefore, we also appeal to our fellow countrymen not to harass or bully our brother Muslims. After all, not all of them are terrorists.” He added.

Meanwhile, the CHR recently issued their report stating that there were no human rights violation committed by authorities after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao last May 23. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that Malacañang welcomes the report, and asked the public to put fears to rest.

Contributed by Salvi Dalida