MANILA – Amnesty International on Tuesday also condemned the election-related violence in Maguindanao which killed at least 24 people.
 
"These killings underline the danger facing civilians in the run up to the national elections,” said Donna Guest, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia Pacific Director.

She urged authorities to conduct an independent and effective probe into the incident.
 
Guest added that the Philippine government must prohibit and disband private armies and paramilitary forces immediately.

“The authorities should also establish clear standards on human rights protection and ensure their implementation, particularly during the election period when politically-motivated killings could increase," she said.

CEGP assail gov't incompetence

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) on Tuesday expressed outrage at the incident that killed members of a political clan, civilian supporters, and journalists in Maguindanao.

“The College Editors Guild of the Philippines, the oldest and widest alliance of student publications in the country denounces in the strongest possible terms the brutal killing of more than 30 individuals Monday morning in Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao. Many of the victims were media men in the call of duty,” CEGP President Vijae Alquisola said in a statement.

More than 100 armed men abducted and killed relatives and supporters of Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu while on their way to file a certificate of candidacy on his behalf. Mangudadatu’s group was with some members of the media.

Mangudadatu is running for governor of Maguindanao. Authorities recovered some of the bodies which were reportedly beheaded and mutilated.

Alquisola said the incident proves the Arroyo administration’s incompetence in protecting the lives of its citizens against lawless elements.
 
“We fear that the killings of journalists and cases of election violence will escalate this election year, with the Philippines replacing Iraq as the most dangerous country for members of the media,” Alquisola added.
 
The group called on member-publications and Filipinos to condemn what they call “political barbarism” by holding indignation protests, candle lighting and other symbolic activities in their schools, work places and communities.