Abu Sayyaf asking teachers in Basilan for 'protection fee'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Abu Sayyaf group is exacting “protection fee” from the teachers assigned in the remote areas of Basilan province to spare them from kidnapping, a senior military official confirmed. 

Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commander of the 104th Army Brigade based in Basilan, said the threat against the teachers is serious that prompted them and the police to intensify the security. 

“The ASG (Abu Sayyaf group) wanted to extort each of the teachers to spare them from any attack,” Galvez said. 

The militants, a small but violent insurgent group blamed for the spate of kidnappings and bombing attacks, were demanding P500 pesos each from the teachers every month, Galvez said. 

Galvez said they have already initiated measures including providing security forces in the convoy of the teachers going to and from the schools.

He said they were also forced to violate some international laws by establishing military post nearby the schools just to ensure the needed security.

Under the international law the military is not allowed to establish posts a kilometer away from the schools. 

“This is really a problem, that’s why we violate that on purpose to bring in the needed security. Talagang nilapit na namin (the military post) especially in critical area,” Galvez said. 

The Department of Education of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has increased the number of teachers in most of its areas, including Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces to ensure the children will be provided with quality education.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said they have recognized the threat against the teachers and have already coordinated for a well-placed security involving the whole community. 

“We are not just involving the police and military but also the local government units in securing the safety of the teachers and the civilians,” Hataman said.