After enduring five months of unjust detention, a man who was mistaken for a terrorist leader has finally been released with the assistance of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). The case of Maca-antal Mohammad, a 61-year-old resident of Pangasinan province, sheds light on the importance of due process and the potential consequences of mistaken identity.
In August of last year, Mohammad was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on charges of kidnapping with homicide. He was mistakenly identified as his namesake, alias Amah Maas, who was a co-accused of the notorious Abu Sayyaf terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon. Hapilon was killed by soldiers on October 16, 2017, in Marawi, Lanao del Sur.
The tireless efforts of PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta and her team of public lawyers played a crucial role in securing Mohammad’s release. Sen. Robinhood “Robin” Padilla personally expressed his gratitude to Rueda-Acosta and the dedicated team of lawyers who worked tirelessly to assist Mohammad during his ordeal.
According to PAO-Taguig District head Ariel Ruiz, several trial courts, including two in the city and another in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, dismissed the criminal charges against Mohammad. These dismissals were based on the testimonies of military officials, who confirmed that Mohammad’s namesake had been killed in a clash with government troops in Patikul, Sulu, on August 26, 2016.
Finally, on February 7, 2024, Mohammad was released from detention at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan. The dismissal of all the cases against him was justified on the grounds of mistaken identity, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines providing testimony that the real perpetrator, Amah Maas, had already been killed in an encounter.
Reunited with his family, Mohammad expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Padilla, Rueda-Acosta, and Ruiz’s team for their unwavering support. In his native Filipino language, he stated, “This is something that I will cherish and never forget until my last breath.”
The case of Maca-antal Mohammad serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of justice and the need for thorough investigation to prevent cases of mistaken identity. While Mohammad’s ordeal has come to an end, it is crucial to reflect on the potential impact on innocent individuals who may find themselves wrongfully accused and detained.
Mistaken identity cases can have severe consequences, both on the lives of the individuals involved and on public trust in the justice system. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to exercise caution and conduct thorough investigations to avoid such grave errors.
The successful resolution of Maca-antal Mohammad’s case highlights the vital role of organizations like the Public Attorney’s Office in ensuring that justice is served. Their dedication and commitment to protecting the rights of the wrongly accused are commendable, and their efforts should be acknowledged and supported.
As we move forward, it is crucial for the justice system to learn from cases like Mohammad’s and implement measures to minimize the risk of mistaken identity. By doing so, we can safeguard the rights and freedoms of all individuals, fostering a society built on trust, fairness, and true justice.
Source: The Manila Times
