MANILA – More statement of condolences poured in for the families of the victims of the massacre in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao province including a group of overseas Filipino workers and its advocates as well as journalists group in the US.

The Migrante Sectoral Party said the brazenness and brutality of the massacre underscore the fact that the perpetrators are unafraid that justice will catch up with them.

“We are concerned that incidents such as the Maguindanao massacre will make refugees, and eventually migrant workers, out of residents gripped by overwhelming fear,” the group said.

The group said many overseas Filipino workers are refugees from the ongoing conflict in Mindanao, “fuelled by militarization and administration-backed warlordism”.

“Filipinos deserve a life of peace and opportunities in their own homes, a life that so far has been denied them as evidenced by ever-increasing overseas deployment,” it added.
 
More than 50 bodies have been recovered from the crime site. Among those killed in the massacre were some members of the Mangudadatu family, their supporters, lawyers and journalists.

Earlier reports said the victims’ convoy was stopped by at least a hundred armed men allegedly led by the Mayor of Datu Unsay, Andal Ampatuan Jr.

“For the Arroyo administration to prove that democracy still works and that citizens can still look forward to the dispensation of justice in the country, it must make the Ampatuan clan and local and police and military officials face the full wrath of the law,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to electronic journalism called on the Philippine government to ensure the protection of citizens, including mediamen.

The US-based Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) said it was deeply saddened over the deaths of more than 10 journalists who were among those killed in the massacre.

"These journalists have given their lives covering vital news for the people of their region. That is the ultimate sacrifice a journalist can make for a story," said RTDNA Chairman Stacey Woelfel.

"For democracy to work, voters must be able to make their choice safely and journalists must be able to cover all candidates without fear of reprisal or assassination," Woelfel said.

"The leaders in this region and all of the Philippines must provide security so that the election process can become an unchallengeable part of the democratic culture," Woelfel added.

RTDNA represents local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries.