After the release of the two members of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), Gov. Sakur Tan of Sulu declared a state of emergency in the island- province on March 31, 2009 resulting in the arrest of 42 persons including two or more policemen, vendors, and barangay captains. Among those arrested is the younger brother of the OIC mayor of Indanan. Eight of them were brought to Zamboanga City for further interrogation but after ten days, all were released due to lack of evidence.
Consistent with his human rights advocacy, Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie confronted the governor on his declaration of state of emergency and on the subsequent mass arrests. Later, on June 5, 2009, Cocoy Tulawie elevated the case to the Supreme Court, seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the state of emergency in Sulu.
On May 13, 2009, a radio transceiver-controlled bomb placed in a motorcycle parked in the capital grounds exploded when the convoy of the governor was directly beside it. Tan was unscathed but nine people were injured. Two suspects were arrested and tortured for three days inside the compound of the governor. Based on the confessions of the two arrested suspects, Cocoy Tulawie was named as one of those behind the attempted assassination of Gov. Tan together with other named politicians.
Cocoy Tulawie is not a murderer. He is not capable of doing such dastardly act. Throughout the years when the Tausugs were being subjected to continuing human rights violations, he remained steadfast in his advocacy. He continued extending protection and assistance to these victims when others retreated to their comfort zones. He would be called to facilitate resolution of conflicts like banta or redo. He was instrumental in frustrating the implementation of an ID system as initiated by then Col. Ecarma of the Philippine Marines. He is held in high regard by the ulamas and gurus because of his resiliency in fighting oppression.
But his accuser wanted him isolated from the people. He has been subjected to a very systematic smear campaign. All those who have attempted to extend support to him have been harassed and ridiculed, as if he is a bearer of a curse.
Taking marching orders from the governor, the local policemen attempted to mount an assault on the house of Cocoy Tulawie to effect an arrest without a warrant.
Cocoy Tulawie is being pushed against a wall.
The arrogance of Gov. Tan stems not solely from being a warlord, for he is not alone in wishing that Cocoy Tulawie is effectively neutralized. In addition the Philippine military, under the notorious Task Force Comet head, Maj. Gen. Juancho Saban, also wants to silence Cocoy Tulawie.
The United States of America is also interested in getting rid of Cocoy Tulawie. Cocoy Tulawie has been at the forefront of an anti-foreign intervention movement in the island. When US troops were about to enter the island, the local movement against foreign intervention registered (in their thousands) their refusal to allow them. When the US troops manipulated their way into the island, Cocoy Tulawie stood firm in demanding their immediate pull-out.
Let us not allow the conspiracy of the triumvirate: US-Military-Warlords in Sulu to triumph in rough-shoding Cocoy Tulawie’s rights.
We call on our brother Tausugs not to submit to fear. Instead we must continue to build the broadest unity among the people to frustrate attempts in crippling their island-based movement. History has taught us a very valuable lesson - no armed goons whether in uniform or not can block a united, vibrant and militant people’s movement.
Stop the Harassment of Cocoy Tulawie!
Withdraw the Two Marine Brigades from Sulu!
Disarm the Goons and Warlords!
Kick the US troops Out of Sulu!
Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD) – Mindanao
Anti-US led War Coalition (AWC) – Mindanao
Anti-Globalization Movement (AGM) - Mindanao