MANILA, Philippines: After spending five months in detention, a man who was mistakenly identified as a terrorist leader has finally been released with the assistance of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
Said Maca-antal Mohammad, a 61-year-old resident of Pangasinan province, was arrested in August of last year on charges of kidnapping with homicide by the National Bureau of Investigation. Unfortunately, his namesake, alias Amah Maas, was a co-accused of Abu Sayyaf terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed by soldiers on October 16, 2017, in Marawi, Lanao del Sur.
Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla personally expressed his gratitude to PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta and the team of public lawyers who assisted Mohammad throughout his ordeal.
PAO-Taguig District head Ariel Ruiz informed The Manila Times that several trial courts, including two in the city and another in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, dismissed the criminal cases filed against Mohammad.
The dismissal orders were issued based on the testimonies of military officials, who confirmed that the namesake of Mohammad was killed in a clash with government troops in Patikul, Sulu, on August 26, 2016.
Mohammad was finally released from detention in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, on February 7, 2024.
“All the cases filed against Mr. Mohammad were dismissed due to mistaken identity, with the testimony of the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirming that the real perpetrator (Amah Maas) of the crimes had already been killed in an encounter,” Rueda-Acosta explained.
Reunited with his family, Mohammad expressed his gratitude to Padilla, Rueda-Acosta, and Ruiz’s team for their unwavering support.
“This is something that I will cherish and never forget until my last breath,” he said in Filipino.
Being wrongfully detained is a harrowing experience that can have profound consequences on an individual’s life. In Mohammad’s case, his freedom was unjustly taken away due to a case of mistaken identity. The fact that he was able to regain his freedom is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Public Attorney’s Office and the dedication of their legal team.
The dismissal of the criminal charges against Mohammad was a result of the clear evidence presented by military officials. Their testimonies proved that the individual who shared the same name as Mohammad had already been killed in a clash with government troops. This crucial information played a pivotal role in establishing Mohammad’s innocence and securing his release.
While Mohammad’s ordeal has finally come to an end, it is essential to reflect on the impact that wrongful detentions can have on individuals and their families. The emotional and psychological toll of being imprisoned for a crime one did not commit is immeasurable. The support provided by Senator Robin Padilla and the PAO, led by Persida Rueda-Acosta, highlights the importance of a robust legal system that protects the rights of the innocent.
Mohammad’s case serves as a reminder that justice must prevail, even in the face of mistaken identity. It is a testament to the resilience of the Filipino people and their commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and due process. The efforts of PAO and the legal team involved in securing Mohammad’s release demonstrate the power of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to correct injustices and protect the rights of the accused.
As Mohammad begins to rebuild his life and cherish the moments with his family, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of a fair and impartial legal system. It is a call to action for authorities to exercise caution and thorough investigation before depriving individuals of their freedom. Only through such measures can we prevent cases of mistaken identity and ensure that justice is served for all.
Source: The Manila Times
