Progressive groups call for justice for Maguindanao massacre victims

Bayan Muna Rep. Isagani Carlos Zarate. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — Several progressive groups are calling for justice to be served for the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, as the most deadliest single attack against members of the press reaches its 10th year.

In a statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the perpetrators of the massacre should be put to justice.

“Sa pagtatapos ng paglilitis, dapat managot ang mga akusado at makamit ng mga pamilya ng biktima ang tunay na hustisya,” the group said.

(As the trial ends, the accused must be brought to justice and that families of the victims will get the justice they have been longing for.)

The group also hoped for an end to impunity and other violations against human rights.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate stated that the government should look into the Executive Order 546, which allowed the Ampatuans to justify existence of private army to “consolidate its dynastic hold” of Maguindanao.

“As it is now, Executive Order 546  is still an available tool for warlords  and powerful politicians to justify arming their militias for political and economic ends,” Zarate said in another statement.

With this EO, Zarate said it is not “surprising then that impunity still rages in the country, resulting in more cases of extra-judicial killings and other forms of human rights violations.”

Fifty-eight people, including 32 journalists, were killed in the attack last Nov. 23, 2009. Members of the media joined the convoy of former Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu when the latter filed his certificate of candidacy for governor against Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Edited by JPV