Despite the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, discrimination and human rights violations continue to be committed against Muslims in the country.
AnakMindanao Partylist Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan made this observation during the recent launching of the Task Force Bantay Bangsamoro that coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the Jabidah massacre and the observance of the Bangsamoro Week.
Sangcopan said the TFBB is a non-government, non-profit organization created together by various human rights groups and Muslim organizations on March 18, 2021 to further guarantee that the rights and dignities of the Moros are respected and observed.
Together with AMIN, other convenors of TFBB are the Commission of Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP); Moro Human Rights Defender Network (MHRDNet); Philippine Alliance for Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA); Federation of Bangsamoro Coordinating Councils of the Philippines (FBCCP); Greenhills Muslim Business Club; Manila Royal House and Council of Elders Inc.; and Organization of Maguindanaoan Inc.
Sangcopan said the TFBB was created to address concerns on the rising incidence of enforced or involuntary disappearances among Muslims, especially those residing within Metro Manila.
The TFBB will establish a pool of lawyers to be tapped for free and immediate legal advice to Muslims and families of those whose relatives have become victims of unforced disappearances.
“These families needed direction, a clear instruction as to what they can do or the steps they need to take on the disappearances of their love ones and of the harassments and discriminations they are subjected into. We at AMIN are very serious about these incidences because we wanted to further protect the Muslim communities,” said Sangcopan.
During the TFBB launch, Nassef Malawani, president of the Greenhills Muslim Business Club, said the new group will endeavor to unite Moro communities and councils in Metro Manila to monitor, document and report human rights violations against Muslims.
During the launch, Muhamad Ali Macalbas of MHRDNet narrated that young Moro professionals have also fallen victims of discrimination in the workplace.
“Getting hired is like finding a needle in a haystack. I have had several experiences where my job interviews were cut short as soon as the interviewer learns that I am a Muslim,” Macalbas said.