Government must dismantle Ampatuan power base

MANILA — A week after the gruesome massacre that claimed 64 lives in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, various cause-oriented groups today will hold a March Against Impunity to demand justice for the victims. The groups will assemble at the University of Sto. Tomas before marching toward the Don Chino Roces Monument in Mendiola Bridge. Joining the march are journalists, lawyers, artists, human rights activists, women’s rights advocates, students and religious.

Wearing black shirts and ribbons, the protesters will call on the Arroyo government to dismantle the Ampatuan power base in Maguindanao to ensure justice can be achieved for the victims.

Yesterday, the Ampatuan clan and their allies made a show of force in their home in Maguindanao. Supporters, including other local government officials, massed up the Ampatuan mansion as the family claimed they were being subjected to trial by publicity.

“We cannot imagine an impartial trial where witnesses can come forward and public officials can perform their duties if the Ampatuan power base in Maguindanao is not dismantled. They remain very powerful and influential and will pose serious obstacles to the attainment of justice,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has given Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno sweeping powers to replace all local officials in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the province of Maguindanao. Puno has yet to replace any official at this point.

“We hail our Filipino journalists and lawyers who remain at the frontlines despite the threats to their lives. Rest assured that the many other victims of impunity will stand side by side with you during this very difficult period. We must strengthen our collective response against impunity,” Reyes said.

“Impunity here is the brazen use of government personnel and resources in the abudction and murder of more than 60 people in broad daylight, without fear of immediate prosecution. It is the continuing and systemic denial of justice for the hundreds of victims of extrajudicial killings since 2001,” Reyes said.

More actions are expected here and abroad to condemn the barbaric killings in Maguidanao. Yesterday, OFW’s in Hong Kong held a memorial gathering and protest to denounce the killings and demand justice. In New York , Filipino human rights groups will be holding protest actions on December 3 to demand justice. Filipinos and journalists in Canada are also set to hold protest actions in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

“At the end of the day, it is Mrs. Arroyo who carries the ultimate responsibility for the climate of impunity and reign of terror that has been in place in the Philippines for the last five years,” Reyes said. (PinoyPress)