Justice for the victims of Maguindanao massacre; stop political warlordism

NEWS RELEASE
November 24, 2009

Justice for the victims of Maguindanao massacre; stop political warlordism
Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod strongly condemned the election related violence in Maguindanao that killed innocent civilians including journalists and lawyers.
Maglunsod said this kind of lawlessness and atrocity in Maguindanao could happen to other parts of Mindanao and the country if the Arroyo administration continue its patronage to warlords and politicians.
The Ampatuan family, the suspected mastermind behind the killings are known allies of the administration and among the accomplices in the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal in 2004.
Maglunsod, who hails from Mindanao said, “The culture of impunity and political warlordism in the country must end.”
“We join the family of all the victims in demanding for immediate justice. The perpetrators of this unspeakable act of violence must pay for their crimes. We demand the government to be impartial in this case.”
The Anakpawis solon cited Maguindanao as pilot area for electoral cheating, as what transpired during the 2004 presidential elections. “Sa Maguindanao lang bukod tanging zero ang mga kalaban ni Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong nagdaang eleksyon,” Maglunsod said.
The solon will file for a resolution to condemn and investigate the massacre. ###