Day of Shame for the Philippines

Journalists march in protest in Manila

Let us pray for the more than 50 people brutally massacred in Maguindanao on Monday. Politics in the Philippines are often violent but the ambush the other day hit a new low. Eighteen of those killed were journalists, men and women, simply doing their job of reporting. The papers have wide coverage of what happened: Philippine Daily Inquirer - No evidence yet vs Arroyo ally linked to massacre - PNP; Manila Bulletin - Massacre is single biggest loss of life of journalists; Philippine Star - Massacre probe focuses on GMA ally. ('GMA' is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo).

The Philippine Star quotes President Arroyo: 'This is a supreme act of inhumanity that is a blight on our nation. the perpetrators will not escape justice. The law will haunt them until they are caught'. As we say in Ilonggo, 'Kabay pa' and in Cebuano, 'Hinaut pa unta' - 'Let us hope so.'

President Arroyo yesterday

CBCPNews carries this story, among others: Religious leaders mourn Maguindanao massacre:

DAVAO CITY, November 24, 2009—The Bishops Ulama Conference (BUC) issued a statement condemning in the strongest possible terms the abduction and killing of 36 relatives and supporters of Buluan Vice Mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Mangudadatu in Maguindanao (a province in Mindanao) yesterday morning.

The statement, which was issued on behalf of the BUC by Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla, said that Islamic and Christian faiths condemn in any way killings and abductions.

“This abominable sin was inflicted upon unarmed civilians whose only 'crime' was to proceed to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office to file the Certificate of Candidacy on behalf of Mangudadatu, who is gearing for the gubernatorial seat in Maguindanao,” Capalla said.

“We grieve with the families of the victims, offer our prayers for the eternal repose of the innocent souls, and call upon the authorities to squarely address this atrocity,” he added. A number of journalists were likewise included in the massacre.

He also noted that the massacre which took place unprecedented in the province of Maguindanao mocks their humble but painstaking efforts to build harmony and understanding in Mindanao.

The BUC also called on the enemies of peace to stop the violence, end the midnless savagery and to respect human life. (Mark S. Ventura).

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Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, was quoted by Sun*Star Cebu in its story Many outraged; horrifying: Vidal as saying '(The acts are) unheard of, and horrifying'.