We Condemn 11/23

A nation torn by the very people who were suppose to get them out of trouble.

A nation riddled by corruption.

A nation desperately crying out for change.

Welcome to the Philippines.

As though this year alone hundreds of people dying, due to the consecutive storms which entered the country, were not enough, greed and the thirst for power have to further add to the grief that the country have to face.

The atrocity that happened in Maguindanao is a Brutal, Barbaric and Heinous act; claiming the lives of 57 people in one day. Not only claiming it but also doing despicable things to the women. Even those who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time became a part of this gory event.

The Maguindanao Massacre is a proof of the current immorality, lack of transparency and accountability, and the obvious disregard of human rights that is happening in our country. This is the current culture of the country ever since the Arroyo administration came in to power.

Though the Administration gave statements which condemns the atrocity that has happened in Maguindanao, we can clearly see how much they drag their heels just to pursue the matter at hand and capture the suspects.

We condemn the Maguindanao Massacre not only because of the inhumane actions that were present in this event but also because it shows us the rampant problem of our country when it comes to politics. We condemn it because it further shows the rest of the world how bankrupt our moralities are. We condemn it because it shows the lack of the abilities of our leader to lead us out of catastrophes.

The blood that flowed in Maguindanao stains the hands of the President who ultimately commands the forces of political control and coercion in the country. We demand that justice be done with all transparency and in the quickest possible time.

We call on every single person, as “One People, One Nation”, to express our indignation towards the immorality of the people involved and towards the abomination that has befallen our country.

Power and Greed.

Many people have died.

How much more must die for the selfish needs of these merciless people?

How long must we suffer from mediocre, subpar leaders?

How much more are we going to endure as the beautiful flag of the Philippines get destroyed by our very own hands?

But this is what has been happening in our land. Our land, the promised land, being soiled by the blood of the innocent.

What really happened in the Maguindanao Massacre?

The prime suspect behind the massacre, who was taken into custody on Thursday, November 26, 2009, is a member of one of Mindanao’s leading Muslim political clans: the Ampatuans.

On Monday November 23, 2009, on a highway cutting through a banana grove, a large force of gunmen of around 100 intercepted a convoy of family members and journalists who were on their way to the provincial capital to witness Buluan Vice-mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, file for his candidacy as Maguindanao’s governor. The governorship in Maguindanao was occupied by Andal Ampatuan Sr since 2001. The people from the convoy were herded and they were brought to a hilly area a few kilometers away. Once there, they were shot, raped and mutilated with chainsaws.

A dirt in the flag of the Philippines and a shame for all Filipinos, the victims of the atrocity are men, women, journalists, lawyers and others who were totally unconnected to the Mangudadatus.

Brutal, barbaric, and heinous.

Are we just going to sit down and listen?

Or are we going to create the change that is needed for our country?

As one people, one nation, one Philippines.