Maguindanao Massacre

Very sad news from the Philippines.

As the 2010 election is drawing close, as expected, news are filled with stories of election violence, brutality and cheating. No surprise there. However, no reported incident has been as chilling, cold and beastly as what happened last Monday in Maguindanao when 43 persons were confirmed massacred when they were blocked on their way to the local Commision on Elections by heavily armed men.

Included in the group was a politician about to file her and her brother’s certificates of candidacy and several journalists, who were only doing their jobs, covering the event. No one was spared, even women who were 13 all in all.

And who is being suspected of leading this horrific massacre? It’s the Mayor Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr. who was is to be accompanied by a police senior inspector and 100 police personnel during the crime. As to why the mayor committed such a horrendous crime, one of the certificates of candidacy to be filed by the victims were of Toto Mangudadatu who was luckily not with the group and is reportedly eyeing a seat on the 2010 election, the same seat the mayor is eyeing. Mangudadatu asked his wife to file his certificate for him.

And as if it couldn’t even get any worse, the wife was found to be raped first before being killed. Also, six members of the group, the ones who were carrying the certificates of candidacy, were beheaded by chainsaw.

Mayor Ampatuan and police officials in Maguindanao cannot be reached for comments.

Such crime should not be served without the full strength of justice. Despite President Macapagal Arroyo’s proclamation of Maguindanao in a state of emergency, political analysts say that the President won’t serve full and due action as the Ampatuan Clan generously supported her in her campaign. And honestly, it’s not that hard to believe such will happen given the President’s, and her family's as well, doubtful record.

These people have no shame. They have no respect for life and should be given the same treatment as what they have given their victims. However, that would mean to do so would be to become monsters such as them. So I guess that's not the answer. How has politics in the Philippines become this dirty to the point of inhuman? Nonoy, do you have the answer to solve such? Does anybody have any answers?

I'm still undecided who should I vote for this coming election but if any candidate steps-up and does action on this, as is what is expected of these candidates if ever they get elected, I'll considering voting him/her. This is the time candidates should show the country what they can do. To all candidates, start doing something!

What say you?

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