Philippine government vows justice for murder of politicians, journalists
- Source: Global Times
- [03:55 November 24 2009]
- Comments
The Philippine government expressed outrage and vowed justice following the killings Monday of 21 people who were among a group of politicians and journalists abducted in the troubled south.
"This is a gruesome massacre of civilians unequaled in recent history," said Jess Dureza, President Gloria Arroyo's adviser on the strife-torn southern region of Mindanao where the murders took place. "There must be a total stop to this senseless violence. I strongly recommend that a state of emergency be imposed in the area and everyone be disarmed. Anything less will not work."
Arroyo's adviser on political affairs, Gabriel Claudio, expressed similar sentiments.
"We're in shock and in total outrage," Claudio said. "Justice will be served, and the perpetrators punished, whomever they are."
The victims were among a group of about 40 journalists and local officials who were kidnapped Monday morning by armed men in Maguindanao province.
The military said the others remained unaccounted for, but clearing operations were ongoing to find them in a hinterland area.
National Press Club of the Philippines president Benny Antiporda said President Gloria Arroyo had to prove she could deliver justice for the victims.
The journalists were accompanying the wife of Esmael Mangudadato and his support-ers to file his candidacy for the governorship of Maguindanao in next year's national elections.
They were stopped at a roadside checkpoint and forcibly taken to a hinterland area by men with links to incumbent Governor Andal Ampatuan, the military said.
The Mangudadatu clan is known to have a long-running feud with the family of Ampat-uan, who is known to control his own private army. Members of the Ampatuan family were unreachable Monday.
Agencies
