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Today, we join the rest of the nation as we mourn for the souls of our brethren in Maguindanao.
More than fifty, and counting, were killed in an incomprehensible bloodbath on Monday. The killers sought to spare no one, not the journalists, not the human rights advocates, not even the women.To decry is not enough. Action must be taken.
We demand an immediate investigation and let justice be dealt swiftly, to condemn with the full force of the law those responsible for this heinous crime against a nation and humanity.
Are friends of the president more powerful than the law itself? Why, after three full days, only then did the first arrests happen? The suspicions are clear, the allegations are well-founded, a hundred times more so than the random detentions on innocents that marred the dark days of Martial Law. Is there no Justice in this land? Will the hand of Justice spare the guilty untouchables?
NOT ON OUR WATCH.
For Atty Connie Brizuela, human rights lawyer and supporter of our cause for peace and democracy, and to the other victims who, on their last day on earth, simply exercised their right as Filipinos, as human beings, we demand swift Justice for you, a firm resolve by the government to put an end to violence and let peace reign free once again in our land.
World headlines on the Maguindanao Massacre
| BREAKING NEWS: Al Jazeera: Witness says Mayor personally "ordered" killings Inquirer: Ampatuan surrenders, to be flown to Manila Inquirer: Ampatuan charged with multiple murder |
ABS CBN: Military takes over Maguindanao capitol, after three days, army begins to disarm militia and prepare to arrest suspects
GMA News: Police round up suspects, international groups angered by empty promises of administration, demand why justice is taking too long
The Guardian UK: Death toll rises to 57, international pressure increases on Arroyo administration especially in light of extrajudicial killings under the present regime
GMA News: World condemns massacre, leaders fear for democracy and security, and the Philippines now tops Iraq as the world's most dangerous place for journalists
The London Times: Son of Arroyo supporter prime suspect in massacre, human rights organizations fear government ties would hinder justice
Philippine Daily Inquirer: Liberal Party wants Ampatuan suspended, calls for local militias to disarm; says preventive suspension of Ampatuans would prevent clan's influence on survivors and witnesses
ABS-CBN News: Other motorists among Maguindanao Massacre dead, unaffiliated passersby's cars riddled with bullets unearthed
Reporters Sans Frontières: Dark day for press freedom: murderers go unpunished, most number of journalists killed in one day in the history of journalism, government delays administering justice
BBC News: Poll-related deaths planned in advance? Hole on the ground already dug for the bodies before the massacre unfolded
Amnesty International: Philippine government must disband all militias, authorities should launch independent investigation in light of incidences of violence by paramilitary forces
Business Mirror: Women victims built homes, worked with disadvantaged youth and were on the fore-front of grassroots nation-building, are killed on the International Day Against Violence on Women
SPECIAL REPORT: Slain lawyer ardent peace advocate in Mindanao, was mother, friend and fighter. by Leah Navarro
Noynoy files resolution for the immediate investigation of the Maguindanao Massacre
“Today, I filed a resolution with the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, condemning the gruesome and brutal murders of Vice Mayor Bae Eden Mangudadatu, Genalyn Mangudadatu, and the countless innocents and members of the media who were slaughtered like animals by unknown armed men on November 23, 2009, while on their way to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
“I commiserate with Toto Mangudadatu and his family, and to all the relatives of the victims whose lives were taken away by an act guided by neither ideology nor humanity.
“I call on the Senate to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the cruel and inhuman election-related massacre and carnage of innocent civilians in Maguindanao Province; the Senate must also direct its appropriate committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into this unparalleled and gruesome incident, with the end in view of proposing legislative measures that would effectively promote lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao.
“My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones in this massacre; I plead with them to remain steadfast in their faith. These cold-blooded murderers will be brought to justice.
“There must be an immediate disarmament of all unlawfully armed groups in Maguindanao. Witnesses must be provided a secure environment so they can help us bring the perpetrators to justice without fearing for their lives.
“This is my plea to all peace-loving Filipinos: It is not enough to condemn these killings; we must work together to bring an end to the violence that is maiming the process of peace, democracy, and progress in Mindanao and all throughout the country. The cycle of electoral violence can only be broken by justice and the fulfilled promise of security and equal opportunity for all.” » read news story