Press Release
June 30, 2009

REVILLA, MUSLIM LEADERS ACT TO EASE TENSION IN IMUS

Senator Bong Revilla and Cavite Muslim leaders sat down at the senator's office to ease the tension in Imus which was sparked by the recent shoot-out that left six people dead, including three of his relatives.

In the meeting which was held last Monday (June 29), Cavite based-Muslim leaders, joined by officials of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA), dispelled rumors that the Muslim community is planning to retaliate against the Bautistas. Revilla also assured that his family, although distraught by the incident, has no intention to take the law into their own hands. He even pointed out that from the very beginning, he has left the case to the police, particularly in tracking down the assailants of his first cousin, two nephews and their driver.

"Trabaho na ng pulis iyan para hanapin. Walang tayong dapat habulin dun sa mga nagtatrabahong kapatid na Muslim, silang naghahanap-buhay. Hindi naman maganda para mabulabog sila. At wala naman kaming iniisip na ganoon," Revilla said to the OMA and other Muslim leaders who sought his audience.

As both parties allayed fears of a protracted blood-feud in Imus, the Muslim leaders expressed their trust for the senator, and assured him that they will not be swayed by rumors that Revilla is holding a personal grudge against their community which they believe are being spread for political motives. "Hindi nga namin alam kung saan nanggagaling ang ganyang kuwento, usap o tsismis na parang pag-aawayin ang dalawang dati nang magkakampi," replied Revilla, who was given the title Sultan by Cavite Muslim leaders when he was governor of the province.

Among the officials of OMA who attended the meeting is Regional Director Bae Sinab Dimaampao while the Muslim leaders were Sultan Lanie Esmael, Hadji Malic Bauda, Hadji Macaagal, Hadji Jamil Guro and Rakman Macasilang. Sultan Esmael is recognized as the prime leader of the Muslim community in Cavite .

"In general, diyan sa buong Cavite, nandiyan si Sultan, iyun ang ibigay nating assurance kay Senator, sa pamilya Bautista, na hindi na madagdagan ang mga buhay na nawala. Kasi napakasakit din sa side nila... Magtulungan tayo," Engr. Saripada Dimaampao of the OMA said.

Killed in the shoot-out that started over a minor traffic incident last June 21 were Mahmod Sultan and Sowaib Salie, Raul Bautista and his two sons Raffy and Richie Allen Bautista, and Michael Salanguit, the driver of the Bautista family.

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