Moro Group condemns kidnapping of Nonviolent Peaceforce member in the Philippines

An undated photo of Umar Jaleel, left, who was kidnapped Friday, February 13, 2009 in Basilan Island.

We, the management and staffs of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace in the Phil's. Inc. (BCJP) strongly condemns in the highest possible term the abduction of Umar Jaleel, as we appeal to their abductors to immediately release him unconditionally.

Umar Jaleel, 36-year-old is a former staff member of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) at Mutur in Sri Lanka, who later went to Mindanao to work with the NP in their Mindanao project four months ago. He was forcibly taken by at least nine gunmen from his organization's office-cum-residence in Barangay Maloong, Lamitan City around 2:30 a.m. today, February 13, 2009

The mission of Nonviolent Peaceforce is to build a large-scale trained, international civilian nonviolent peaceforce. Nonviolent Peaceforce will be sent to conflict areas to prevent death and destruction and protect human rights, thus creating the space for local groups to struggle nonviolently, enter into dialogue, and seek peaceful resolution.

By working together with local partners, Nonviolent Peaceforce contributes to; Increased security for local peace advocates and their families, Greater safety and empowerment of local civil society in dealing with conflict management, Development of early response to potential violence, Facilitation of negotiations for the return of displaced people to their homes, Safe return of abducted child soldiers and family support for parents of missing and abducted children

NP Link with local leaders, communities, groups and individuals working towards peaceful resolution of conflicts, BCJP is among with its partners in the protection of civilian's human rights and deterrence of violence in Central Mindanao.

Jaleel has fallen victim of the very violence that he has been trying to deter, we readily lend our moral support and prayers as we continue to move mountains and hound the heavens for his safety and early release.

We appeal to the law enforcers and the military to exhaust all peaceful methods of negotiation in working out the release of the kidnap victim.

We also call on our religious leaders from both the Christian and Muslim faiths to extend whatever possible support.

We wish to extend our prayers and support to the colleagues families and loved ones of the kidnap victim.

Finally, we all join our hands and ask Allah to bless and grant our prayers. Insallah.