STATEMENT ON THE AMBUSH OF THE MAMASAINGED FAMILY WHICH RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF TWO (2) MINORS AT THE MUNICIPALITY OF DATU HOFFER, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR
The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) strongly condemns the recent ambush committed against the Mamasainged family in Sitio Bagurot, Barangay Tuayan Mother, Municipality of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur. The attack resulted in the death of Sadam Mamasainged and his two young daughters, one an eight-month-old and another a three-year-old, and left his wife seriously injured. This heinous act violates the fundamental human right to life, and it is especially abhorrent that innocent children were among the victims.
While the motive behind the ambush is yet to be determined, whether it is due to rido or politically motivated, the Commission is cognizant of this case and emphasizes that such acts of violence are against Philippine laws, including Republic Act No. 9851, otherwise known as the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity,” and also violative of international human rights laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.
This ambush is an act of wickedness, baselessness, and vileness, and it is particularly reprehensible that it was committed during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Qur’an states: “Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind” (Qur’an 5:32). Hence, this act of violence goes against the very teachings of Islam.
Therefore, as the human rights institution and Children Ombud of the Bangsamoro, the BHRC will conduct a thorough and independent investigation of this incident. We call upon the authorities to expedite the investigation of this case, ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for this reprehensible act, and that justice is served for the victims.
We urge all parties to respect the rule of law and refrain from resorting to violence to settle disputes. We reiterate that the human rights of every person, not less than the right to life, must be respected and protected at all times.
We stand in solidarity with the Mamasainged family and reiterate that we will take the appropriate action on this matter.
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