July 20, 2001, The Philippine Star, Shabu Planted by Authorities to Capture Me - Janjalani,

July 20, 2001, The Philippine Star, Shabu Planted by Authorities to Capture Me - Janjalani,

Manila, July 20, 2001 - (STAR) Hector Janjalani, elder brother of Abu Sayyaf head Khaddafy Janjalani and allegedly one of its top officers, said that the illicit drugs found on his person when he was arrested in Manila last year was planted.

Janjalani said that the methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" found on him was planted by arresting authorities when he was nabbed with a certain Habib in a shopping mall in Manila.

Janjalani said in Tagalog, "That's always the case if you're a Muslim. Your rights are stepped upon. If you do something good, people doubt you. I am alone in this (and) I am not a commander (of the Abu Sayyaf) nor a kidnapper."

Janjalani was supposed to be arraigned today at Zamboanga City with 43 other suspected members and supporters of the bandit group on charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

However, the regional trial court (RTC) judge postponed the hearing when he noticed that most of the accused did not have representation, including Janjalani.

RTC Judge Jesus Carbon also granted the petition made by Janjalani through his temporary lawyer, Atty. Abdulmuin Pakkam, that he be transferred to the Zamboanga City jail instead of being brought back to Camp Crame in Manila where he had been incarcerated since his capture.