Act now! Act Swiftly! Act decisively!
Public Statement
November 24, 2009
Act now! Act Swiftly! Act decisively!
The Anak Mindanao party-list (AMIN) today urges the Arroyo government to go beyond declaring Maguindanao in a state of emergency and act swiftly and decisively in giving justice to the hapless victims of the massacre in Maguindanao.
The Arroyo government must act swiftly and decisively now to bring all the perpetrators and masterminds to justice, irrespective of their positions or political affiliations.
As a representative of the Anak Mindanao Party-list, I condemn in the strongest terms possible the senseless, barbaric and mindless massacre of civilians, women and journalists in Maguindanao. The massacre last Monday shows us how many of our politicians have been so corrupted by power that they will go to the extent of silencing forever those who show opposition to them.
I call on politicians in Mindanao to respect the rights of everyone and not use their position of political power for their own interests.
As AMIN, together with other institutions and sectors, tirelessly work for peace and development of Mindanao, last Monday’s massacre is a big and humiliating slap on all our efforts to stop the prevailing culture of impunity in our country, especially in Mindanao.
There are no words strong enough to condemn this senseless and dastardly act. Those who carried it out and their masterminds and barbarians so demented by power and self-interests that they appropriate to themselves government power that rightfully still resides in the people.
Their dastardly act in murdering defenseless civilians, women and journalists show their contempt for government and Filipino values.
I, therefore, urged the government to leave no stone unturned in delivering justice to the victims. Let the harshest punishment our government can mete fall on those who should be punished for this incomprehensible and contemptuous act regardless of their personal, economic, social standing and political affiliations.
At the same time, I call on the government to assist the families, especially the children, left behind by the victims.
Admittedly, this cowardly act will put on hold Mindanawons’ efforts in attaining peace and development for the island but this will never defeat all our efforts in changing global perception that Mindanao can be the center of development in whole Philippines.
To all peace and development workers, especially those in Mindanao, I heartily call on all of you to redouble all our efforts and continue to work hard to make our beloved island of Mindanao to be the center of development. Let us forge ahead and let not this unfortunate event defeat our resolve and our spirit in fighting for equity, peace and development.
Signed:
Hon. Ariel C. Hernandez
Representative
Anak Mindanao Party-list
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