Rodwell’s ‘savior’ abused by Australian officials

ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Filipino negotiator behind the successful release of kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell was a victim of arrogance and abuse by airport immigration officials in Sydney.

Al Rashid Sakalahul, the deputy governor of Basilan province, who played a vital role in saving the life of Rodwell, has not forgotten when he was manhandled in Australia in 2006 to attend an important event hosted by the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines.

At the Sydney airport, he was whisked away by immigration offi- cials after a search of his luggage yielded a pack of cigarettes. His Muslim name and the province he came from also became big issues when his passport was examined. The immigration authorities nearly seized his prayer beads.

Sakalahul said his bags were slashed with a knife, and the locks of his luggage were destroyed in front of him by an immigration official.

“They were all brutes. It was really degrading. My person and my dignity were totally trampled upon by those immigration people at the Sydney Airport. It is really difficult to forget those things,” he told The Manila Times.

Sakalahul, who belongs to a prominent family, said that his ordeal in the hands of Australians did not stop him from helping Rodwell.

He said that Rodwell’s wife Miraflor Gutang pleaded for his help.

“The first thing that came to my mind is to save the life of that Australian man being held by the Abu Sayyaf. Rodwell’s wife sought my help and it is my duty and responsibility as a government official to help (Mira)Flor, and to save Warren’s life,” Sakalahul said.

“I have done my part, my duty and responsibility as an elected official of the province. When the Filipino family of Rodwell sought my help three weeks ago, I told them that I will try my best to help them and thank God that we succeeded in bringing out Rodwell safe and alive. God has rewarded us and heard our prayers. I am happy that all these problems are now over and Warren is finally reunited with his family and loved ones,” he added.

Rodwell was kidnapped in December 2011 from his seaside home in the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province. AL JACINTO