PHILIPPINES: Torture of a 17-year-old boy falsely accused of being a member of a kidnap-for-ransom group 

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is forwarding an appeal concerning the torture of a 17-year-old boy, who was falsely accused by soldiers and policemen of being a member of a kidnap-for-ransom group, in Basilan, Mindanao. He is presently detained together with adult offenders in a jail where he was remanded.

Asraf Jamiri Musa, an Education student, was illegally arrested, tortured and detained by the military and police who accused him of being a member of Abu Sayayaf, an illegal armed group involved in kidnap-for-ransom. They also planted evidence of explosives on him and forced him to admit his membership to the group.

If you have further question about the case, please contact Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)-Mindanao, No. 214 Earth Street, GSIS Heights, Matina, Davao City; Mobile: +63 949 7215341.

Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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URGENT ACTION URGENT ACTION URGENT ACTION

PLACE OF INCIDENT :sitio Patikul, barangay Matatag, Lamitan City, Basilan
Province
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CASE BACKGROUND:

Asraf Jamiri Musa, 17 years old and a 1st year college student, taking up Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED), was arrested along with his cousin Pawad Esmael Alpad by members of 32nd IB, 1st IDPA and members of Philippine National Police led by 1LT. Gian Carlo A. Galanza, PA and P/Chief Inspector Nestor Placio, PNP in sitio Patikul, barangay Matatag, Lamitan City, Basilan Province on June 23,2011 at about 1:45 in the afternoon.

According to Asraf, at 11:00 in the morning of June 23,2011, he was sleeping at the house of his aunt where he was staying since he studied elementary along with his cousin Pawad. When, he was awaken by his aunt because of the presence of the military.

Asraf said the military and Police search the house but they did not find anything. Accordingly, they were looking for two (2) Abu Sayyaf members Nurhasan Jamiri and Musanna J. Musa (a kidnap for ransom group), allegedly staying at the house of Hadji Samiri Alpad where Asraf also staying.

They took Asraf and Pawad and brought them to the brigade detachment in Lamitan, the aunt of Asraf accompanied them. At about 30 minutes, they were brought to the military brigade in Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan.

Asraf said, he was brought inside the brigade and was made to sit in a waiting shed. He was interrogated and asked if he is an Abu Sayyaf member, he replied that he is a student but they did not believed Asraf. His cousin Pawad was released but he was left behind.

He was brought inside and at about 10:00 in the evening, Asraf was forced to admit about his membership with the Abu Sayyaf group. He was blindfolded with a handkerchief and handcuffed behind his back. Both feet were tied with a rope and he was punched hitting his stomach for three (3) times. He was also punched at the left side of his body once. When Asraf denied his membership, he was brought to a drum filled with water and was submerged for three (3) times. He was threatened for several times to admit his membership with ASG or he will be killed. Asraf said his head was wrapped with a cellophane twice and was threatened to be buried.

Afterwards, Asraf was forced to admit again his membership with the group and was again submerged in a drum. Asraf recounted his ordeal which lasted for about two (2) hours. Then, he was brought in a waiting shed where he was tied.

On the following, June 24 in the morning, he was made to take a bath. Afterwards, he was again blindfolded and was brought in an unknown place. He was made to hold a hard object which he did not recognized what kind of object and then he sensed that he was taken pictures. Then, he was brought to the Police station and then to Fiscal’s office in Isabela City and that was the time he learned that it was a hand grenade which the military asked him to hold. Afterwards, he was again brought to Police station.

On June 25, at about 5:00 in the afternoon, he was remanded to Provincial jail in Isabela City, Basilan. A case of Illegal possession of explosive was being charged against him.

According to Asraf, one of his alleged torturer introduced himself as Lt. Galanza and he was able to recognized his companions because his blindfold was loosen.

On June 28,2011 at 10:00 in the morning a medical certificate was issued by Dr. Alfonso L. Bravo, Jr. MD, chief of hospital of Ediborah P. Yap Memorial hospital, Lamitan District hospital, according to his finding;

(+) contusion right forehead 2×3 cm
(+) abrasion, left forehead cm
(+) contusion hematoma 7 x 1 cm bridge of nose
Erythema left chest 2 x 3 cm

Duration of treatment: 7 days

Asraf, only dream is to finish his education in order to help his parents. He said during interview that if ever he will be released he will continue his schooling. This case is a clear violation of his right as a child and curtailing his right to education.

Photo of Asraf Jamiri Musa
Taken at the Provincial Jail, Isabela City, Basilan
Taken on August 2, 2011
Taken by John Vincent Mesa of Medical Action Group (MAG)

SUGGESTED ACTION:
KINDLY WRITE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, PARTICULARLY THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO CONDUCT IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE ARREST AND ALLEGED TORTURE COMMITTED TO THE VICTIM, THEY SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE BAR OF JUSTICE AND IF FOUND GUILTY APPROPRIATE SANCTIONS WILL BE METED OUT.

To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER