Revilla, Muslim leaders act to ease Imus tension

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. sat down with Cavite-based Muslim leaders at his office last Monday to ease the tension in Imus, Cavite, which was sparked by a shootout that left six people dead, including three of his relatives.

In the meeting, the Muslim leaders, joined by officials of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA), dispelled rumors that the Muslim community is planning to retaliate against the Bautistas. 

Revilla gave assurance that his family, although distraught by the incident, has no intention to take the law into their own hands.

He said that from the very beginning, he has left the case to the police, particularly in tracking down the assailants of his first cousin, two nephews and their driver.

Among the OMA officials who attended the meeting was regional director Bae Sinab Dimaampao, while the Muslim leaders were Sultan Lanie Esmael, recognized as a key leader of the Muslim community in Cavite, as well as Hadji Malic Bauda, Hadji Macaagal, Hadji Jamil Guro, and Rakman Macasilang. 

Both parties allayed fears of a protracted blood feud in Imus town, with the Muslim leaders expressing their trust in Revilla and assuring him that they would not be swayed by rumors that the senator was holding a personal grudge against their community which they believed were being spread for political motives.