Last Seen:

January 3, 2012 

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

On January 3, 2012, Najir Ahung, Rasdie Kasaran, and Yusup Mohammad traveled from Zamboanga to Manila via Air Philippines as scholars of the International University of Africa in Sudan. They were scheduled to leave for Khartoum, Sudan via Qatar Airways at 12:10 a.m. of January 4, 2012. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Najir Ahung was able to send a message to his brother, Barangay Captain Jamih Arawi of Barangay Guinanta, Al-Barka, Basilan, confirming that they have arrived in Manila.

The families have not received any information from the students since. The three scholars were scheduled to be picked up at the Khartoum International Airport by one of Najir Ahung's relatives, Sahad Ahung Hamid, another scholar based in Sudan. Ahum along with others, waited for hours at the airport, but the group did not arrive. He called Najir's brother, Barangay Captain Arawi, and reported that the group did not reach Khartoum. The family repeatedly called the students on their mobile phones, but the lines were unattended. Captain Arawi then traveled to Zamboanga to verify with their travel agency if the passengers were able to board the booked flight to Khartoum. The Airphil travel agency assured the barangay captain of the group's arrival in Sudan.

After receiving the confirmation, he called Ahum to verify if he was able to trace the whereabouts of the students. It was verified that the students did not reach Khartoum. Captain Arawi returned to the travel agency on January 9 to clarify their earlier claim. The agency rechecked their flight and informed the family that the airline ticket was unused and they can file a claim for a refund. He then went to Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul to seek help. Vice Governor Sakalahul inquired with the military in the area, but he was told that the three were not in their custody.

The family believes that government authorities have taken the students in custody. The three scholars are Muslims and residents of Al-Barka, Basilan. Their disappearance occurred in the wake of the controversy over the "300 John Doe" complaint-affidavit filed by the AFP against residents of Al-Barka and amidst the Aquino government's claim of a terrorist attack during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9. 

details about their circumstances.