A post from the Facebook page Inside Truth on February 13, 2022, falsely accused Bayan Muna Party-list nominee Amirah Lidasan of being a “communist ally” which it claimed is “prohibited” or “haram” in Islam. The post further claimed that the “datus” of Bangsamoro already branded Lidasan a “fake Muslim.”
CLAIM:
Bayan Muna Party-list third nominee is a “fake Muslim”
RATING:
FALSE
FACTS:
Lidasan is a Muslim woman from the ancestry of Moro activists and leaders in Mindanao, the granddaughter of the first elected mayor of Parang, Maguindanao, and a daughter of Moro activists– his father also being a survivor of Martial Law. She is also the secretary-general of the Moro-Christian People’s Alliance.
In an interview with Altermidya, Lidasan shared her life as a ‘bakwit’ or refugee during the Estrada administration, a turning point that made her choose to be a Muslim activist and dedicate her life to serving her people. With decades of experience as a Moro leader, this is not the first time that certain groups hurdled accusations against her. “Ganoon ang iniisip ng gustong manira sa’yo kasi they want you to lose your credibility para masira ka bilang spokesperson ng mga Moro,.” Lidasan stressed.
Lidasan also dispelled claims that the datus of Bangsamoro have rejected her, and added that she is always open for dialogue with community leaders who still do not know her or her group, Bayan Muna Party-list, “Kung may mga datu man sa community na hindi na-reach ng Bayan Muna, siguro kailangan kong magpakilala at mag-extend sa kanila.”
Lidasan also stressed that Bayan Muna and Suara Bangsamoro are duly-registered party-lists that consistently help Moro people, and not “communist fronts” as state agents have repeatedly claimed.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
For Lidasan, being called a “fake Muslim” not only insults her person, but also affronts her culture and heritage, and “normalizes” gender-based violence against Moro women. Gender-based violence is still prevalent in Muslim communities, despite current efforts by both national agencies and the Bangsamoro government to address this.
The said Facebook post has also been shared by official-looking Facebook accounts that carry names of government institutions including the Ormoc City Police Station 6, Regional Mobile Force Battalion- MIMAROPA, and Kabuntalan Municipal Police Station, among others. This shows how false information is being shared in official government accounts.– Maez Estrada and Joseph Gloria
Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.
0 Comments