The son of a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader is currently being detained in Malaysia in connection with the Davao City bombing in Sept 2016.

According to a report from VERA Files, Datu Mohammad Abduljabbar Sema, 26, was arrested on Nov 24, 2016 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport upon his arrival from Bangkok.

Datu Mohammad is the son of Muslimin Sema, chairman of the largest group in the MNLF, and Bai Sandra Sema, congresswoman of the first district of Maguindanao.

VERA Files, founded in March 2008 is published by Filipino journalists taking a deeper look into current Philippine issues.

Datu Mohammad, an Islamic scholar had been travelling to and from Bangkok, while exiting to Cambodia. However, when his 30-day visa free entry was about to expire, he travelled to Malaysia, with the intention of returning to Thailand after three days.

He was then arrested upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, where he was placed under Malaysian custody in an undisclosed location.

Muslimin Sema was a former Cotabato City mayor and is considered to be a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. His mother belongs to the influential Sinsuat clan of Maguindanao.

VERA Files said Datu Mohammad's mother is currently seeking for the release of her son through a pardon from Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte while his father has sought the assistance of Peace Process presidential adviser Jesus Dureza.

The Philippines government last month sent law enforcement representatives to Malaysia to record his statement.

Meanwhile, Philippines defense secretary Lorenzana said the Philippines will request custody of Datu Mohammad.

"Of course, of course, we will request so that we can bring him back to the country," Lorenzana said.

VERA Files also said the Philippines police sources have declined to give specifics as to Datu Mohammad's role in the Davao City bombing.

Over 12 people were involved in the terror attack on the Davao City night market which claimed the lives of 15 people and wounded 69 others.

Seven suspects have already been captured in the Philippines, not including Datu Mohammad.

Three suspects have been arrested on Oct 4 and four others on Oct 29 at the Southern Philippine Development Authority Compound in Cotabato City.

They are said to be members of the Maute Group.

His arrest is said to have an affect on the peace process as he is the son of an MNLF leader who will soon be appointed as a Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) member.

The BTC will resume formal work revising the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law that will create the new Bangsamoro region to replace the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by ASHLEY TANG

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