Joins chorus to bring perpetrators to justice

MANILA - The secretary general of the United Nations (UN) extended his sympathies to the families of the victims of the massacre in Maguindanao.

"The Secretary General extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and hopes that no effort will be spared to bring justice and to hold the perpetrators accountable," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s spokesperson, Michele Montas said.

At the same time, the UN Secretary General condemned the incident and called on the Philippine government to immediately bring the perpetrators to justice.

The mass murder of more than 50 people, including some family members of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, their supports, lawyers and journalists, have been described as the worst poll-related violence in Philippine history.

Mangudadatu’s wife, Genalyn, and some of his family members, were on their way to file the certificate of candidacy on his behalf when they were intercepted by at least a hundred armed men on Monday. Journalists who were supposed to cover the event were also killed.

As of Wednesday, recovery operations have unearthed more bodies from the crime scene, bringing the death toll to 52.

President Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao province and nearby Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City “to suppress lawless violence”. On Wednesday, Mrs. Arroyo declared a national day of mourning in honor of the victims of the massacre.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed more troops in the area to pursue the perpetrators and augment the Philippine National Police in maintaining peace and order. With reports from ANC’s Dateline Philippines