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Letters to the Editor

Monday September 18, 2000

Community appreciated by Oakland mom 

Editor: 

The Philippine Government has initiated a military assault on the Abu Sayyaf encampments on Jolo Island. My son, Jeffrey Schilling, is being held by one faction of Abu Sayyaf. 

I have heard that the military has secured the camp, now abandoned, where my son was being held. Although I am frightened because I have had no word about my son’s safety, I firmly believe that he is still alive. 

Friends and family and total strangers have joined me in praying every minute of every day for my son’s well being and safe release. I just know in my heart that he will return home to me. 

I love my son very much and I am desperate to hear word that he has been rescued. 

When I learn of his safe release, I will be willing to make another statement. Until that time I am unavailable for comment. 

Thank you for your concern and support. 

Carol Schilling 

Oakland 

Muslim Student Union praises Jeffrey Schilling 

Editor: 

We, the members of the Muslim Student Union at the University of California at Berkeley, affirm that Jeffrey Schilling is a Muslim who is a member of our student community. He is a very pious brother who always had a smile and a greeting for everyone he met. He is a sincere Muslim who always wanted to help others throughout the world, especially in financially disadvantaged countries. Furthermore, he had a special interest in aiding the Muslim community within the Philippines. In fact, he established a food and clothes donation program within the Muslim Student Union for the Muslims in the Philippines. Any concern that he is any type of agent or an arms dealer is completely unjustified. We humbly request in the name of Allah (SWT) and His Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) that the Abu Sayyaf group release our fellow Muslim brother so that he may continue in his efforts to help the oppressed throughout the world, including the Muslims in the Philippines.  

Peace be with you, 

The Muslim Student Union  

University of California at Berkeley