CJ Sereno calls for sobriety on Maguindanao carnage

MANILA, Philippines – Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Tuesday called for sobriety in the wake of the death of over 60 elite members of the Philippine National Police in an encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.

In a statement, Sereno on the behalf of the Supreme Court has expressed sympathy to families of the fallen policemen.

“I, and my colleagues on the Supreme Court express our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of our injured and fallen policemen. We deeply mourn for those killed, and weep with their families…,” Sereno said.

She said there are no words to console the families for their loss, adding “perhaps even the promise of earthly justice will sound hollow at this time.”

“But I ask them now to cling to the hope that there is always the eternal realm,” Sereno said.

The SC Chief also strongly opposed calls for war pending investigation on the carnage.

“We call for sobriety as we all await the full report on the investigation. During this time, we must ascertain facts to avoid confusion and acknowledge the complexities of the situation to allow for the rule of law to truly prevail.”

She said all parties should bring the conflict to the table instead of in the battlefield.

“A call for war and retribution should never be made lightly and should remain always a final option. It should certainly not be made in the heat of the moment and in the face of, as yet, unclear facts and confusing narratives,” Sereno said.

On the part of the judiciary, Sereno said they are committed to do its utmost to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

“We have sworn to render justice as a sacred duty, even if our very lives demand it, in the same way that our soldiers and policemen have given their lives for the service of this country. Some of our very best judges have also fallen, and we continue to mourn for them and feel their absence,” she added.