Australia condemns politically-motivated massacre in Maguindanao
MANILA – The Australian Embassy in Manila urged political aspirants to participate in the political process in a lawful and peaceful way. At the same time, it condemned the massacre that killed more than 50 people in Maguindanao.
“Politically-motivated killings and other forms of intimidation have no place in any society,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Rod Smith said in a statement.
“Media representatives must also be allowed to report without fear of violence,” Smith said.
The statement was issued following the massacre of 57 people in what is considered as the worst election-related violence in the country.
“Australia condemns the senseless and brutal killing of civilians and journalists in Maguindanao on 23 November. We welcome the Philippine Government's commitment to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Smith added.
On Thursday afternoon, Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., the alleged mastermind in the massacre, submitted himself to authorities.
On Monday, Genalyn Mangudadatu, the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, was on her way to file a certificate of candidacy for teh governor post in the May 2010 elections on behalf of her husband. Her convoy included some relatives, supporters, and lawyers. Journalists were also there to cover the event.
However, the victims were massacred when their convoy was stopped by at least 100 armed men allegedly led by Ampatuan Jr. Authorities have recovered 57 remains scattered on the road and some buried in an improvised grave site in Ampatuan town.
The Australian Embassy in Manila extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
“Australia is a committed development cooperation partner of the Philippines. We are deeply concerned, however, that signs of increasing lawlessness in parts of Mindanao will inhibit our development cooperation activities and prevent the benefits of these programs reaching those who need them most,” Smith said.
Statements from international groups including from the United Nations as well as from various countries and international press groups have poured in condemning the gruesome killings in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao and have all asked for the immediate delivery of justice to the massacre victims.
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Let the truth prevail and criminals must be punished..All the ampatuans clan should be relieved from their goverments seats, or else it just a strategy for them to sacrifice one member of their family for the sake of majority clan member in order for them not to loose their power...... Let all the ampatuans clan be blocklist from politics.specially the head (Ampatuan Sr.)...blocklist them all from politics, that may be of great solution to bring back the trust and confindence of Maguindano people for them to start all over again....As long as Ampatuans clan remains on their goverment seats, justice can not be deliver to the victims because after a couple of months or years, the accused Ampatuan Jr will be set free again...Yet infact, the Sr. and the big brother has the great impluence in the massacre...inuutos at ginagawa nang matanda, nakita nang bata, akala nyay tama kaya tinularan...kaya ayan....Pity those victim's families crying for justice...These ampatuans clan destroyed many ambitions of the incoming youth...pano na ang mga pangarap nang mga anak nang biktima eh pinatay ang taga hanapbuhay nila....Bring back the trust and confidence of Maguindano people for them to start all over again....