Kid Gloves?
THIS IS ONE OF THE LESS GRUESOME IMAGES FROM THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE
Has someone finally done it? Has someone committed a crime so heinous, so gruesome, so heartless and brazen that even the ethically impaired regime of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could not ignore it?
Over the past decade, we’ve seen the same pattern of behavior when a member or ally of the regime has been caught breaking the law: stonewall, divide the public, attack the witness, make some minor concessions if necessary, wait for the public anger to blow over, but otherwise do nothing to correct the crime.
We saw that when the Hello Garci recordings came out, when the unconstitutional Spratly exploration deal was signed with China in exchange for billions of dollars in “loans”, in the ZTE national broadband deal, and others so numerous they now escape my memory. All of the accused were part of the regime and today they are still living it up, unpunished, unrepentant.
But the brazen massacre of close to 60 people in Maguindanao Monday morning–apparently by a scion of the most powerful provincial warlord–has created a firestorm of outrage around the world. So brazen and violent was the crime that it seems even the Arroyo regime is considering throwing the Ampatuans into the wilderness.
Not that its hasn’t tried to sweep the murders under the rug. So far none of the Ampatuans have been questioned, no attempt has been made to disarm them, and executive secretary Ed Ermita has warned the public not to prejudge their loyal allies and Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera says the Ampatuans are not suspects yet. But eyewitnesses have placed Andal Ampatuan Jr at the scene of the crime, and people familar with Maguindanao will tell you that no one else in the province has the numbers of armed militia under their control. All of the evidence gathered so far points to the young Ampatuan one of the warlords that did the most to deliver the ARMM to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the 2004 and 2007 elections.
But the growing crescendo of international outrage is proving too hard for Arroyo to ignore. She now has to at least APPEAR to be doing something. So she is now going through the motions. She has issued two (!) statements expressing her outrage, her PaLaKa political party has expelled the Ampatuans from its ranks (they’re shocked–shocked that one of their own could be involved in any wrongdoing!) , and the Armed Forces has been ordered to take over the provincial capital but otherwise do absolutely nothing. Meanwhile I am told that efforts are underway to placate the main victims, the Magudadatos, to get them to settle their differences with the Ampatuans in a more civilized manner (ever watch the Godfather? There’s a scene where after Sonny Corleone is killed, the heads of the families get together to try to put an end to their war, except for the life of me I can’t imagine Arroyo in the Marlon Brando role).
But these actions are cosmetic in nature. As we say in the finance world, its all just optics. As of this writing, the Ampatuans still haven’t been brought in for questioning, nor has any effort been made to disarm them or the Magudadatos. The AFP says the actual triggermen have (conveniently) escaped.
Its beginning to look like another whitewash.
But here have been times in the past when public anger has been strong enough to get the international community angry as well and it is at these time that the Arroyo Regime has been forced to act against its natural tendencies and actually do the right thing. It happened in late 2005 to early 2006 when the Bush Administration weighed in against the Regime’s plan to declare martial law. It happened in 2007, when the Chinese government, stung by the criticism after it was dragged into the ZTE National Broadband deal, cancelled billions of dollars in unaccountable loans that could have been the source of unimaginable graft.
The Magudadatos were not the only victims here. There were journalists, lawyers, and apparently innocent bystanders just walking by that were also murdered Monday. The Regime may be able to convince the Magudadatos to back off, but that would leave the others unavenged. Not just the others who were killed Monday but the other nameless, faceless people who have died at the hands of the godfathers of Maguindanao.
I still find it hard to imagine that someone will be held accountable for this. But hope against hope that this be another case where the anger gets so loud that Arroyo has no choice but to do the right thing.
November 26th, 2009 10:21
power and popularity,greed,greed,greed….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7Aqb8fsGyM
November 26th, 2009 10:34
was it Gibo Teodoro’s campaign manager Ronnie Puno as DILG Secretary who by DILG directive permitted the Amaptuans to legally build up their private killing army?
November 26th, 2009 11:01
UPDATE:
Andal Ampatuan Jr has agreed to tun himself in for questioning. Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno holding a press conference this morning at 11AM…..
November 26th, 2009 11:01
It’s funny that, when a “routine” crime occurs, (like the Ebarle murder) the president is always quick to order the police to spare no effort to get the criminal. But when one of her friends beats up his girlfriend, offers a bribe, rapes a 13 year old girl, or massacres 60 people, she does everything she can to downplay the crime.
While she claims to be devoutly religious, it is clear that she has no moral compass whatsoever. And it seems that she has surrounded herself with people who are similarly lacking in a simple sense of right and wrong.
How have we reached the point in this country where political loyalty can outweigh mass murder?
How can it be that the chief of the NBI and the chief of the PNP and every policeman in the country are not outraged?
This is the point when Mantaring (NBI) and Verzosa (PNP) should make a stand. They should both be saying “I don’t care whose friends they are, I want the masterminds arrested.” And then they should do it.
And the truth is, it’s not just the president who is behaving that way. Yes, there are a lot of people in government who are demanding action. But I also hear a lot of our leaders echoing the statements that “it is too early to point fingers”.
To answer your question Ricky: No, I don’t think this crime is too heinous for the president (or many of our other leaders) to ignore. I suspect that the next thing we will see is Ampatuan, and maybe a few others, invited for questioning. A delicate term “invited”. Very sosyal. These guys will be housed in a special room somewhere rather than a jail cell. The room will have a big screen tv and other amenities.
After a few months, the charges will all be dropped, or the investigation will be ruled inconclusive.
And then life will go on.
Except for the dead people.
These are the leaders we chose.
This type of governance happens because we allow it to happen.
November 26th, 2009 11:04
Just thought of another possibility:
The son may be sacrificed to save the father.
Is it possible that the Governor did not know what his son was doing?
Is it possible that the son was acting on his own.
I really doubt that.
November 26th, 2009 11:15
Philippine politics at its finest especially under PGMA’s rule! I already gave up on this and I’m pretty sure that the son really doesn’t need to play the scapegoat. They can put the blame on one of their men and say that they acted by themselves and without any orders from the patriarchs.
They can spin this any way they can - they have the gold, the goons and obviously the power to prevent them from falling to the hands of the law!
Lets see how these animals together with PGMA and Malacanang get away from this… At the very least its going to be quite entertaining…
If there is a hell - these animals are pretty much guaranteed to go there!
November 26th, 2009 11:43
UPDATE:
Ampatuan Jr now with Dureza en route to GenSan.
November 26th, 2009 11:53
this shouldn’t be ignored by her and by everyone.it is not at all entertaining..we shouldn’t be viewers who are here to be entertained by our hopeless political situation and what arroyo will or will not do.
the blood of all those people are in her hands too for having not only supported but also used souless animals like the ampatuans for her own gain.it is close to impossible that they do not know about this private army and i’m sure this isn’t the first time they have murdered people. one does not just go ahead and massacre 60 if they have not started with 1 or 10.yet, all of that was ignored.ignoring all that only means that her moral compass is anchored on herself.
the most she will probably do is find a scapegoat like ampatuan jr. or some other.do you think those private armies will die? they will go on and search for the newest padrino..and this will go on because they were able to get away with it several times.that is their way of life,that is how these people are.they already are in hell and have everyone else’s life in that area hell.
that is what these people have become because it is their only way to survive the hell they are in.be evil and souless animals because they are led by evil and souless animals.
the cycle has to stop..=(
November 26th, 2009 12:28
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November 26th, 2009 12:54
Henry,
Looks like you’re right. Ampatuan Jr. has denied involvement.
November 26th, 2009 13:06
Ricky & All,
It is difficult for me to explain how this horrible event has affected me. I remember, many years ago in San Francisco, hearing (watching) the news coming out of Jamestown, Guyana regarding the Jim Jones compound as the press reports were released. Something like 700 people had committed suicide. My feelings then are much like my feelings now.
This was absolutely, beyond the shadow of any reasonable doubt, a pre-meditated mass murder! What makes matters worse, is the lazy attitude of certain government officials tasked to investigate and prosecute the offenders. Fifty-seven (so far) people murdered and they still have to politely ask the number one suspect to come in for questioning?
Are we in the Congo, Nigeria or Burma? Is this a sign of what’s to come in the Philippines?
Henry’s right. Ampatuan Jr. & Sr. will deny knowledge or involvement and place the blame on the (their) gunmen. This whole thing makes me sick!!!
November 26th, 2009 13:32
SOBs!!! This cant go on! This is Mass Murder! At the very least the perpetrators should be given injection rather than the traditional firing squad! They cant whitewash this! Not now, not when elections are so near! The media should put the final nail to the coffin of this ruling party by showing images of their “Regional Directors” in action emblazon in the banner of Lakas Campi CMD!!! Even Gibo’s action by expelling the Ampatuans from the party is Comedic! To little to late, if you as a party Elevated a monster for Regional head, what about the national head? Does that mean his higher ups can commit more crimes than this?
Not only that but why this brazen? Did they think they can cash in enough pogi points for a GET OUT OF JAIL FREE card? And like Singson and several others para sulit damihan para one big go?! SOns of B****es!!! Too many lives are lost! Journalist of course, but mainly WOmen! Pregnant women at that!!!
November 26th, 2009 14:59
The Philippines has been among the more vocal in protesting the continuing detention of Burmese opposition leader Suu Kyi.
Recall this news report: “Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo has expressed the Philippine government’s stand on the matter, saying “The Philippine government is deeply troubled and outraged over the filing of trumped-up charges against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her transfer to Insein prison. Gloria’s admiistration has called on the Burmese government to “immediately and unconditionally” release Suu Kyi.
In keeping with this, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed Senate Resolution 1078 which holds that the charges against Suu Kyi are a violation of human rights and international law.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also made her sentiments clear in a meeting with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein at a summit in Thailand, saying releasing Suu Kyi would create “tremendous goodwill” for Burma, which with the trial has fallen out of favor with the UN and ASEAN.
Isn’t this a laugh? 59 times over?
November 26th, 2009 15:07
Why did they send Ampatuan Jr to Manila to be questioned?
I guess he will enjoy a better justice in Manila.
I thought all along that ARM guidelines is if one is a Muslim the Sariah Law takes over. Refer to wikepedia quote:
ARMM powers and basic principles
RA 9054 provides that ARMM “shall remain an integral and inseparable part of the national territory of the Republic.” The President exercises general supervision over the Regional Governor. The Regional Government has the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges, subject to Constitutional provisions and the provisions of RA 9054. The Shariah applies only to Muslims; its applications are limited by pertinent constitutional provisions (prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment).[8][1][broken citation]
I guess the Ampatuans are afraid of their own law: an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. Took the family 3 days to finally calculate the better option.
November 26th, 2009 15:07
As I understand it, the US pushed the willing Gloria into a lead role in the ASEAN to hammer Burma into respecting human rights.
The US can really be funny.
November 26th, 2009 15:27
Zee made an interesting comment:
“They behave the way they do because it is the only way to survive the hell they are in.”
I tend to agree with that. People in places like Mindanao live by the rule of the gun because they can’t depend on the rule of law to protect them. Mindanao (and other lawless places in the Philippines) is the way it is because government does not exist there. Warlords control their fiefdoms through strength and fear. And lower level gangs do their own share of intimidating.
In a situation like that, I would not feel that I could turn to government to protect me. So I would get a gun and take my survival into my own hands. That’s the environment they live in.
And it is that way because government is content to let it be that way. It’s easier than actually imposing the rule of law.
November 26th, 2009 15:53
Phil,
What does that have to do with the price of coffee in Maguindanao?
November 26th, 2009 16:55
Leonard, oops..sorry. I should have expounded a bit more.
What I wanted to show was isn’t it ironic that Gloria lectures Burma on human rights and the US used her to lecture to Burma.. when in fact in her own country, Gloria violates human rights just as much. And she has been coddling and nurturing, in fact, these new warlords in Maguindanao.
Sorry again.
November 26th, 2009 17:14
OK. I’m feeling you now. Major league irony!
I’m sure the US is anxiously waiting for the elections here so we can get some new and hopefully more honest President in office. However, if something else happens here like what just happened, the US Congress will put a full stop to aid until AFTER a new president is in office…
Thanks for the explanation Phil!
November 26th, 2009 17:24
Funny you guys should mention the US. Sometimes I think that the way Manila treats ARMM is like the way the US treats the Philippines, in the sense that the US is willing to support unpopular corrupt dictatorial Philippine presidents at the risk of alienating the general population, in the same way that the Philippine president has supported unpopular corrupt dictatorial warlords because it serves her interests.
In the same way that the sitaution with Marcos became untenable for Reagan in the 1980s, Gloria’s support for Ampatuan may become untenable too. But that assumes some sense of shame on her part.
November 26th, 2009 17:26
Statement from Executive Secretary Ed Ermita, care of RG Cruz:
“The taking in, inquest, and the subsequent filing of charges against dato
unsay ampatuan is just the beginning. The government will be relentless in
bringing to justice all those respönsible for the gruesome maguindanao
massacre. President arroyo wants all the culprits punished without fear or
favor.”
November 26th, 2009 19:29
Ricky,
One of our officemates at our regional office in Cotabato was buried inside his Tamaraw in Ampatuan Killing Field. He was a bright young man in his 30s, full of promise, with two girls, the eldest being 6 years old. He was driving from Koronadal to Cotabato to report for work. He was one of those who was “in the wrong place at the wrong time” when this carnage happened. How will PGMA explain to his daughters why their father had to go at a very young age and who is responsible for his demise? When incident such as this happens, we wonder why did God allow PGMA to sit in Malacanang, we have been hounded by all sorts of catastrophes and now this massacre? To whom does PGMA pray for that it seems some kind of jinx is wrecking havoc on this country under her watch? Why have we reached this sorry state that our government cannot protect us and is not even willing to punish the murderers? In Davao, where we live, the Ampatuans reside in a sprawling mansion which is now being guarded by the local PNP and the Task Force Davao courtesy of Mayor Duterte. Why is this government protecting the perpetrator of this abominable crime? Why are we paying for their protection? Shouldn’t we be the one needing protection from them?
November 27th, 2009 00:05
Yellow Belle,
That’s so sad to learn about your officemate. And so unfair.
Sometimes I truly hate this country.
November 27th, 2009 01:34
The Ampatuans are the SACRED COWS of Gloria
Arroyo. They cannot be touched. These Mass Murderters are the one who helped her cheat in the election. So, it now a dilemma for Gloria Arroyo.
We sympathize with the families of people
murdered senselessly. Saddam Hussein, Pol
Pot, Hitler, and other mass murderers are
now reincarnated in the Philippines.
November 27th, 2009 03:06
Nakakatakot ang nakita namin at napansin kanina sa TV Patrol kung paano sinalubong ni Dinavadera si Ampatuan, kinamayan sa halip na nakahand cuffed ang kriminal. Ganito ba talaga ang treatment sa kriminal, ang Pamahalaaan pa ang magbibigay galang sa kriminal? Anong klaseng pamahalan ba tayo meron?
Tayong mamamayang Pilipino na tinitingala ng buong mundo, heto tayong lahat walang magawa para mapaalis sa puwesto ang mga naghahari-harian na dapat ang mamamayan ang naghahari sa Pilipinas.
November 27th, 2009 04:04
marcial,
napansin ko rin yon, halos napasuka ako. Biro mo sinundo pa ng pinakamataas na law enforcer sa buong pilipinas.
Kawawa talaga yong mga namatayan, parang sa larawang yon ay wala na talagang pag-asang magkakaroon ng hustisya. Naalala ko yong mga kasamabahay ni Failon hindi naman principal suspect kundi witness lang pero nilagyan ng posas, ay mi wala pang linaw kung murder o suicide ang nangyari.
Sana ay maging leksyon sa mga pilipino na bigyan ng seryosong pansin ang pagpili ng mga lider natin, para hindi na maulit ang isang GMA na maghari sa bayan.
November 27th, 2009 08:51
Ricky, seeing the massacre scene on TV I could not help but recall how Ted Failon and his family were treated during the suicide of his wife. What a great contrast - kid gloves for the Ampatuans who are allies of Gloria, and unjust accusation and harrassment for Ted and his grieving family. While PNP and DOJ insisted for 3 days that Ampatuan could not be considered as suspect because of lack of evidence, despite many evidences pointing to him as being present in the crime scene, the opposite was done in Failon’s case. A newspaper was quick to report that Failon was on the run because he was the prime suspect. and the PNP acted on this report IMMEDIATELY. Even a text message from an unknown person had been considered as evidence against Failon by no less than Raul Gonzalez, then Secretary of Defense.
I love this country and that is why the greed, corruption and injusttice perpetuated by the ruling power in the country make me wish I have not come home to retire here. It hurts seeing the poverty, corruption and injustice being a way of life.
The only thing that gives me hope is my faith in the just and loving God - a God who does not sleep or close his eyes and heart, especially to the cries of the poor and the oppressed, a God who waits for the right time. I pray that this right time will soon come.
November 27th, 2009 08:54
Ricky,
Well, super-powers like the US really have no choice unless they’re able to manipulate or influence political events in a given country. Of course, the CIA no longer conducts such operations. I know this because they said so (HA HA). So, think of each and every country (in the Third World) that the US has diplomatic ties with. Keep in mind, in most cases diplomatic ties equates to financial aid or support. Now, if the US withdrew “support” from each country who had an on-going record of corruption, human rights abuses, etc., our (the US) Diplomatic Corp would be reduced to western countries.
My point is, the US does not support world leaders in their efforts to commit crimes (anymore). Having diplomatic ties does not mean the US is involved in the day-to-day decisions and/or actions of a given country. I believe the US Government is watching the Philippines very closely and, should Arroyo somehow retain a position of power over the Philippines, Congress, sparked by harsh protests from within the US, will drastically reduce if not completely suspend all forms of aid.
Now, that the world is watching, the US can not afford to sit idly by while the murderers of 57 people (22 of which were journalists) goes unpunished. Should the Philippine government attempt to whitewash this event, I feel the US Congress will have no choice but to sanction the Philippines. Who would complain? What country in ASEAN would dare complain? Burma?
November 27th, 2009 09:58
Ricky,
I have a couple of questions for your interviews.
First: Justice Secretary Devanadera made an interesting comment yesterday. She said that “the parties agreed that Ampatuan Jr will be held at the NBI, and that the case will be resolved within 36 hours.”
I’m curious. Who are the parties she was referring to? It sounds like she means there was some kind of agreement between the government and the Ampatuans. Does the government really need to seek agreement over the terms of its investigation into this heinous crime? How powerful are these people?
Second question: Secretary Dureza said that the plane they were riding in while transporting Ampatuan Jr was strafed by gunfire. I guess he was trying to show how dangerous the situation is. And he showed a bullet, which the reporter said that Dureza said came from the plane.
My question is, the bullet Dureza showed was a shell casing. That’s the part that is ejected from the weapon after the bullet is fired. It’s not the part that would strike the airplane. Did he really claim that that was one of the bullets that struck the plane? If that’s his claim, then he is simply making it up. I don’t know why he would need to do that. Just a little side observation.
November 27th, 2009 10:31
In my opinion, the most untrustworthy person in the arroyo administration is Puno. As I’ve been saying the man is a chancer, a balimbing in the tagalog slang! I bet you this guy will be in Villar cabinet if he wins, and will be in Etrada’s cabinet if Estrada gets lucky! Guanranteed that he will be the secretary of defense if Teodoro wins! I repeat, there’s no bone of princicple in his bone! In the younger generation’s language, the man is a “player”! Trust me I have nothing against this man because i dont know him nor his family, but obviously the man is a big time “PLAYER”!
November 27th, 2009 11:04
Michael,
I just saw the news item you mentioned. Looks like the casing of a .223 (556). More than likely fired from a M16 or M4. Unless he was able to open the door of the aircraft during a low level fly-by over the shooter (low enough to catch the casing as it left the ejection port which is mere inches above and to the right of the rifle itself)… Well, you get the idea.
I am wondering if some of the journalists there are not entirely up to speed on certain things. Like the difference between a bullet (round) and a shell casing. Also, with all the media in the area when the plane took off, why didn’t anyone report the “report” (sound of gunfire)? High-powered arms, like the .223, are extremely loud! Are all the reporters down there fresh out of high school or what?
November 27th, 2009 11:17
I hope and pray that something good actually comes out of this.
Gloria’s probably praying/sacrificing babies to Beelzebub for a big enough diversion - a celebrity sex tape, a new stormfront, an earthquake, tsunami, apocalyptic meteor strike, new moon(TM) - anything that will take the public’s prying eyes away from the lawless life-as-cheap-as-bullets nether regions of mindanao that has helped her so much in her quest for higher office.
The government’s ability to manipulate the public’s psyche is nothing short of miraculous. Just like what they were able to accomplish during the Glorietta bombing/fart blast. Anyone knows what really happened there? Does anyone really care anymore?
All they have to to is make the investigation move at a snail’s pace, inject tons of misinformation (Ampatuan now blaming MILF), bury in tons of technical and legal drivel, apply the usual dose of SOP stonewalling and the 57 dead ultimately ends up as nothing more than a tragic statistic.
November 27th, 2009 11:20
Ricky, this incident has made me ask questions other than condemning the massacre.
1. Other than Pres Magsaysay, why no other President has disarmed private armies after post Marcos era?
2. Did the journalists had no idea that southern Mindanao is a hot spot during election period?
3. Why were there journalists in the convoy? What was their participaton and role in the convoy? Were they given the green light from their respective media organizations?
4. What about organizations that they (journalist) represent were they amissed exercising safety precautions of not sending them in a precarious area? Did each journalist just took their risk of going there? (I am already in the thought that it is a journalist job to capture events, but why take the risk?)
I sympathize with the families of the victims, but if I have to look at it in an end-to-end perspective, the government is not only to be blame for this. I beleive their respective media organisation should take the blame as well.
Nontheless, I would love to see the murderers hang on their necks and their balls on their mouth.
November 27th, 2009 12:00
bangungot,
i really disagree with the concept of the journalists or the media organizations taking the blame on this.in as much as there can be “renegade journalists” per se,the filing was a significant event they had to cover since this was the first time someone ever ran against the Ampatuans for some time.things like these should be covered. if the massacre didn’t happen,this would have been really good and hopeful news for the rest of the country.it wasn’t just a story for their own or their organizations personal glory.
the Mangudadatu’s sending women in and having media cover the event could have been their protection from all of this..unfortunately,they were dealing with bigger monsters.
we can’t blame journalist for shedding light where it is dark in our country, risky as it may be..the journalists affected were Mindanao based and I’m sure the risk was assessed..but then again,they were dealing with a totally different monster.
nobody saw this coming.
November 27th, 2009 12:19
Ricky,
Regarding your interview with the former CHR head… I don’t think the Philippine government will accept assistance from foreign governments in the investigation. Remember what happened with Glorietta 2 (as mentioned by Mac)? They won’t risk having anything less than a total exoneration of any Philippine government involvement in the crime.
November 27th, 2009 13:46
I have a filling this will be hard for Gloria because if there was election fraud there the suspects family would spill out the bad beans and if Gloria will not do something to put to justice the massacre there is international pressure and local pressure also.
So in my opinion we should put pressure always to the government no matter if this case will take years because a soon as the media stops broadcasting this topic I think they will be set free.
In my opinion there are many cases like this that the media bombards news about it for a few months then when no one likes to hear the news they change to a different topic.
Like what happened to the Oil Spill what happened to the people there are they doing fine?
So maybe the government will just wait for the news to subside then free the culprits.
Also why do the Philippine government tolerate this private armies also about the MILF is the Government less powerful than them?
bangungot:
2. Did the journalists had no idea that southern Mindanao is a hot spot during election period?
Journalist should be there to cover the story even if its in Visayas and Mindanao because media always tends to broadcast news coming from Luzon only no matter how small it is. Its like Philippines is Luzon only. But the problem is that both the army and police were
ruled by this lawless creatures.
There is even news that the women were raped and shot in the genitals
So they were very confident that they could escape this massacre because they have the time to raped the women and that no police or military will interrupt them in this brutal massacre.
i am just letting out my feelings on this sad event
November 27th, 2009 13:46
I have a feeling this will be hard for Gloria because if there was election fraud there the suspects family would spill out the bad beans and if Gloria will not do something to put to justice the massacre there is international pressure and local pressure also.
So in my opinion we should put pressure always to the government no matter if this case will take years because a soon as the media stops broadcasting this topic I think they will be set free.
In my opinion there are many cases like this that the media bombards news about it for a few months then when no one likes to hear the news they change to a different topic.
Like what happened to the Oil Spill what happened to the people there are they doing fine?
So maybe the government will just wait for the news to subside then free the culprits.
Also why do the Philippine government tolerate this private armies also about the MILF is the Government less powerful than them?
bangungot:
2. Did the journalists had no idea that southern Mindanao is a hot spot during election period?
Journalist should be there to cover the story even if its in Visayas and Mindanao because media always tends to broadcast news coming from Luzon only no matter how small it is. Its like Philippines is Luzon only. But the problem is that both the army and police were
ruled by this lawless creatures.
There is even news that the women were raped and shot in the genitals
So they were very confident that they could escape this massacre because they have the time to raped the women and that no police or military will interrupt them in this brutal massacre.
i am just letting out my feelings on this sad event
November 27th, 2009 13:59
Ricky, like you I am tempted to hate this country, too. But on second thought, I should be hating the people in government for the way they have been running this country into the ground.
The people itself, the Filipinos, are still one of the kindest, gentlest people on earth. And one of the most creative and talented, too.
They have been abused and taken advantaged of by the few who hold the reins of power and wealth.
Ricky, you are one of a few among millions here who are in an enviable position to help change things. You are doing it now through your various duties as a journalist. And you’re doing it well.
Continue with your mission to help change things for your countrymen. In fact, you are doing far far more than those who insist they be called “Honorables”.
November 27th, 2009 14:02
mac estrada, coyote :
I agree with you 200%
Michael:
Good point
November 27th, 2009 14:38
Did DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno said they are
in control of the area?
But another person is killed there
UN employee shot dead in Philippines
The murder occurred four days after at least 57 people were shot dead in Maguindanao
http://www.newkerala.com/nkfullnews-1-158992.html
November 27th, 2009 15:44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY2Owy-x870
November 27th, 2009 21:01
the moves of gloria are so obvious that even a grade schooler can easily understand her moves. gloria is so callous and simply evil.
November 27th, 2009 21:02
Ricky,
Was it not eyelash-fluttering Ronnie Puno who gave a legal directive that empowered the
Ampatuans to put up their own private army, the very thing they used to execute around 60 people??
That was Puno who okayed their private army right?
And now Rona Puno is acting like he’s all strict by removing the very guns he armed them with in the first place.
Ricky, kindly track down the Ronnie Puno dilg directive that armed these executioners in the first place please. Ask the tough questions.
November 27th, 2009 21:04
As for Gibo, he’s trying to cleanse himself from Gloria’s support and empowerment of the Ampatuans by accompanying Mangadadatu on the filing of M’s candidacy. Isn’t this the height of politiking on Gibo’s desperate part??
He can capitalise on that publicity, but when ask to make in-depth answers to the resolution of the case, he goes out and says something to the extent that he isnt the DND Secretary anymore.
What’s with Gibo and his selective association with the government??
Trapo thickness!
November 27th, 2009 21:12
Of all the statements and quotes that have come out of this massacre, so far this is the most memorable and breathtaking:
“I don’t think the President’s friendship with the Ampatuans will be severed.
Just because they’re in this situation doesn’t mean we will already turn our backs on them.
It doesn’t mean that they are no longer our friends, if ever they indeed committed the crime.”
- Lorelie Fajardo, Deputy Spokesperson of GMA
November 27th, 2009 21:14
Man, oh, man..that friendship is deep.
November 27th, 2009 23:59
The senseless killings and the governments handling of the matter highlights a growing fear of mine that Filipinos have an incapacity for self governance. Freedom and democracy requires advanced citizenship, a quality that I fear is in short supply currently.
November 28th, 2009 00:13
Who cares about their friendship be severed. We are asking for justice for the dead. I really hope that President Gloria should have mercy on country and spare us from running for congresswomen. Enough is enough.
November 28th, 2009 00:19
Hey Bobot,
Good to hear from you!
I see your brother more that I see you and that’s too bad. hehe
Just kidding. Adel is a cool guy.
November 28th, 2009 00:51
To the Christians among us, and no offense to those who aren’t, most of us believe in God and his son, Jesus Christ, don’t we?
But have anyone of you as far as you can recall in your lives, felt the same kind of rage (like those expressed/felt above), to those who humiliated, tortured, spat, and killed through crucifixion, the one we now worship as our God?
Well I must tell (confess) you all this. I’m outraged by many things in life, but up until I saw the film “Jesus Christ,” did I feel a “certain amount rage,” only while watching the film. But there after, my rage has long been forgotten.
Just to put all our anger, and frustrations in perspective, perhaps it would be well for us to connect it (the foregoing) to what happened 2000 years ago. Because we’re all a part of it, yes, together with the “As” (interestingly, their names both start with the same letter), and the Bs and the Cs, etc.
Believe you me, justice will prevail. But not the kind of justice that you and I are a part of and responsible for today.
November 28th, 2009 05:50
Do we have the capacity for self government? The answer is not yet.
Filipinos are more subjects/serfs than citizens. We have business overlords, bureaucratic overlords and plain and simply landlord overlords and warlords.
All our institutions reflect that reality. Look at the justice system from the police/military to the prosecutorial and justice system. It works only for those who can afford it or have what is called regulatory capture.
Think of feudal relationships and it fits. Think of a broad based participatory representative government based on a liberal democratic form of constitutional law and it is a stretch.
Datu, Bossing, Ma’m Sir and Don.
Even though I personally consider the free press here more mercenary than it is not, the minority who are there out of conviction make it a vital evil for now.
The advent of new media is a wonder to behold. However it may also be a tool for anarchy in the hands of a clearly ignorant populace. The present government has proven adept at using it too.
If GMA runs for Congress it will prove to one and all that we do have one who is a closet despot.
But that is part and parcel of our social format.
November 28th, 2009 05:53
I think the problem is not with PGMA. It’s her associates, more likely down south like in Mindinao. I do think that the Ampatuan did those killing. I think it was the MILF’s Ambra Kato who is seting up the Ampatuan Family. Why is the Witness in Al Jazeera not on Abs-cbn news. I think this is a Muslim conspiracy.
November 28th, 2009 06:46
This incident in Maguindanao should be condemned by all of us ( Muslim and Christian). With the pace in which the investigation, we can clearly notice that the suspects are close to the present government. I hope the criminals will be prosecuted and sent to jail.
November 28th, 2009 08:04
Nice ‘Casablanca’ reference, Rick.
Malacanang: “I’m shocked … shocked … to find that there is election violence going on here!”
Ampatuans: “Excuse me, here are your votes, Ma’am.”
Malacanang: “Oh yes, yes. Thank you very much!”
November 28th, 2009 08:49
Yesterday, watching the footage of the so-called confiscated weapons, I immediately noticed (as I do each and every time I see firearms being turned over to the authorities) the age and condition of the weapons in question. We’ve seen it all before; rows and rows of old and most likely unserviceable rifles set up on display for the media reporters who have NO CLUE as to what they’re looking at. That is with the exception of Ricky and (in this case) Valazquez.
During a phone interview yesterday with the SEC DILG, the reporter asked about the confiscated weapons, serviceability, age, etc. Puno’s response was the usual “it will take some time to investigate weather or not these weapons were used… BLAH BLAH BLAH”. I don’t think such an investigation to determine if the confiscated weapons were actually the ones used in the crime should take longer than a day and I’ll tell you why…
Pardon me while I “arm-chair-quarterback”… First, you ask the surviving witnesses if these (the rifles shown to be confiscated) were the one used or in the possession of the personnel at the check-point where they were stopped. For those of you who are reading this and saying “how can anyone tell the difference” hold your thoughts. I’ll get to that. Better yet, show the witnesses pictures of different types of rifles. You should only have to use three rifle types for this, AK-47, M14 and M16 or M4.
At the same time, forensics can recover of few slugs from the victims and determine their caliber. This is not CSI stuff, this is simply common sense if you know anything about firearms. If it is discovered that the victims were shot with .223 (556) rounds, then you know for a fact that the confiscated weapons were NOT the ones used in the crime.
In the weapons footage, I saw mostly M14s (and a BAR here & there). The M14 fires a 7.62 round. The Browning fires a 30-06. Just looking at the shell casings on scene would tell what kind of rounds were used and thereby tell you what type of weapon/s were most likely used.
If the recovered .223 slugs from the victims, then it is obvious that an M14 or BAR was not used to kill them.That means, the murder weapons are still out there (probably cleaned and/or buried by now).
In short, those stacks of weapons shown are there just for SHOW. I hope journalists will pick up on that and maybe question the authorities with a little intensity.
November 28th, 2009 11:29
Leonard,
It was Jorge Carino who first pointed out that the Ampatuan Security Services (ASS) were surrendering rusted old guns instead of the shiny brand new state of the art ones that they use to kill innocent civilians and enemies alike. By the way, thanks for raising the point about Dureza and the casing that he was showing the reporters. I asked him about it and he said it was the casing from the gunner after they returned fire. Daw.
November 28th, 2009 11:38
Yep. I was watching when you asked him but credit should go to MICHAEL. He brought the point up before me in post #29. I only re-stated it. Thanks just the same for putting the question to Dureza. Stills sounds a bit fishy though. You’d think, after being shot at, they would mark the coordinate and send the troops in.
Has anyone from the media or law enforcement come out with some sort of chain of events or time line for the abduction/murders? I saw yesterday one of the officials (AFP spokesman I think) said the convoy was stopped at a PNP check-point, then the victims were abducted and so-on.
November 28th, 2009 12:06
As we mourn for the recent senseless lost of lives, let’s also turn our eyes back to a bigger picture.
Today, I read a published “platform of government” of NOY & MAR, that I agree with 101%. But if I may say, this said “platform of government” is not “theirs,” but OURS.
The next thing is for us, who still believe and hope for this country, to elect the people who will fill in the shoes of those who would implement the true vision of the Philippines and the Filipinos: a strong but upright LEADERSHIP, a swift and working JUSTICE system, and a true ECONOMIC benchmark that builds upon a strong & solid middle class.
Whatever each of our agenda or business purpose is, first and foremost, we are all into the “people business.” It is people who run business and organizations. And the quality of people chosen do make a big difference.
For me, this government is history. But all of us can still make a difference and make our own choices to move forward, despite all the challenges.
“Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are!” The GMA government had been defined by the kind of people it had.
The Aroyos & Ampatuans do not necessarily define the Filipino character! It is the likes of “Efren Penaflorida” and countless and faceless other Pinoys who dare to make a difference daily.
Let’s now all help and define our next government!
November 28th, 2009 12:34
Normally, when a big crime like this happens anywhere in the Philippines, especially down south, the governor makes a lot of very public statements about giving orders to hunt down the perpetrators.
Did anyone hear Governor Ampatuan issue any kind of orders like that right after the killings? I didn’t, and I find that odd.
In fact, so far, I haven’t heard a word from the provincial government about solving this crime.
Sounds very much like O.J. Simpson. He claimed that he loved his ex-wife, and that he didn’t commit the crime, but he never said a word about “let’s go find the real killer”.
November 28th, 2009 12:43
Very good point Michael! I find it down right peculiar that the Governor did not issue orders of that kind.
Insofar as OJ is concerned, he said on several occasions that he wanted to find the “real killer” and, if I’m not mistaken, said he hired a private investigator shortly after the body of a cheerleader/model was found on the 405 days after the Simpson-Goldman murders.
November 28th, 2009 15:22
Leonard you’re right. It was Michael who brought it up. Sorry about that and thanks Mike.
November 28th, 2009 15:28
Guys and Gals,
A biting editorial in the Inquirer today that takes apart the public statements of Gloria regarding her being appalled by the massacre and contrasts that with Lorelei Fajardo’s very supportive comments about their BFFs the Ampatuans.
Fajardo is fast becoming one of the most irritating people in the country.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20091127-238812/Extraordinary-people
November 28th, 2009 16:33
Ricky,
The Inquirer said it right in its editorial, the Ampatuans are extraordinary people, they control the towns, they control the province, they control most of the Central Mindanao, they control the police and the military, and they control more than that..they are above the law in Maguindanao in the real sense of the word. There are so many abuses in Maguindanao which is being tolerated under their governance, and most of their agencies follow suit, worth to mention is the ARMM LTO who are practically hoodlums in Maguindanao highways taking huge bucks from motorists and they still exist despite complaints from so many sectors way way back then..Metro Manila’s Kotong cops would pale in comparison to the Kotong cops in Maguindanao taking even the last coin of an ordinary truck driver.. and there more stories when you drill down each government agencies.
I hope this gruesome incident would spark a much deeper look of Maguindanao province, their governance and how their agencies “disserved” the people. On top of this massacre, on top of their political machismo, there’s so much to dig, so much “Big Picture” to uncover, and only the power of media can credibly unearth all these.
Hope you and ABS-CBN can take the lead and make change happen in this part of our country.
More Power!
November 28th, 2009 19:25
Chito Geronimo,
Nature has a way of correcting errors in its system. This is not survival of the fittest but simply removal of what is flawed… call it QUALITY CONTROL.
These killing creatures (they’re not humans as they have chosen to act in a manner devoid of the qualities that make up our dignified humanity) will be removed eventually. This act of nature from the beginning of time HAS NEVER FAILED and NEVER WILL.
I can only imagine what will happen to these creatures after this. Maybe not immediately after but in the course of TIME.
November 28th, 2009 22:12
boy oh boy, can’t malacanang at least straighten its stand on this barbaric act before they even say anything?!?!?! this admin can’t even get lying right?!?!?!
i have long hated gma’s spokespeople… they’re being paid by our taxes to lie and cover up for madame…
is it true remonde’s running for the senate??? if it is, then it’s good that he’d get his moment of truth… truth that the people hate you
for lorelei - can’t you even get a stylist with your fat paycheck to make you more presentable for media??? we already don’t like what you’re saying, the least you can do is to visually presentable…
tigilan nyo na kme pls!!! wag nyo na kami gawing tanga!!!!!
November 28th, 2009 22:23
by lorelei’s statement, it means malacanang or her for that matter can tolerate its / her friends who are killers, mass murderers at that!!! that doesn’t make them any better humans…
the ampatuans must really be holding some BIG BIG secrets of madame, that madame and her paid tuta’s have to kiss the ampatuans’ ass even if they’ve done something this grave…
November 29th, 2009 03:53
While the rest of the country seethe with anger, folks in places like Cotabato City and adjacent municipalities do not publicly talk about the gruesome event. It is as if the butchery merely one of those unfortunate things that happen to people from time to time, and life goes on as usual. Surviving is the only thing that matters to the residents of the place.
November 29th, 2009 14:09
Sounds like Nazi Germany to me. The atrocities going on while the people just ignore it…
Evil triumphs when good people to nothing!
November 29th, 2009 14:16
mldd,
I heard one villager on TV being interviewed and what he said says it all. He said that if they comment on the happenings, they might become the next victims.
November 29th, 2009 14:47
I heard on TV.. one villager being interviewed and he said that the people don’t want to make any comments on this incident because they may end up as the next victims.
November 30th, 2009 01:19
bert gonzalez went to condole with families of beareaved journalists, bringing cash. the palace announced 100,000 per family from the president out of the goodness of her heart. of course i hope the families took it, it’s their tax money. but the public message is being sent that the wounds are healing.
November 30th, 2009 10:08
As RENE SAGISAG puts it, “as a civilization, we are on the the verge of decay”. And I Believe he’s right, if we let this go like any other controversy, we have to blame ourselves if our country gets worse than this.
November 30th, 2009 10:26
i agree lorelei fajardo is extremely irritating. the way she talks and her squeaky voice. but more importantly, she always sounds like a PUPPET and never comes across as sincere. wasn’t she called ’stupid’ at one point by doj sec. gonzales, if i’m not mistaken??
November 30th, 2009 12:16
Only justice will heal. True justice!
Btw, those 2 salvage victims found in QC, are those part of our justice system? …crime pays…justice pays?
November 30th, 2009 12:35
Injustice can’t heal the wound. It will just added salt to the wound. Hapdi lang . The pain will go thru your bones and beyond.
I hope that Gloria will not run for congress. Because it will put our country on hostage again with the fear of charter change and her being the prime minister. Have mercy on us ! Hope that Mama Mary will hear on us. Or else I just can’t imagine how many monster she will create in the years to come.
November 30th, 2009 14:25
The next president will have to deal with these humongous problems Gloria has created. Corruption and violence are her legacies. It’s a tough clean-up job for the next President.
November 30th, 2009 14:36
Villar yesterday said his first priority if he became president would be to address corruption in government.
Laughable. When did he ever blast away at the corruption of Gloria’s administration? Not a mouse’s squeak ever passed his sealed lips.
This guy is another Gloria in the making. A deceiver and a deal-maker of the highest caliber.
November 30th, 2009 15:11
Sorry and tough luck for our country. Gloria had filed and will run for congress. So there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
November 30th, 2009 15:46
This woman is pushing her luck too far.
November 30th, 2009 17:36
Ricky puwede ka bang mag-comment sa muli ninyong pag-interview kay divanadera na baka pagkatapos maisubmit ang mga ibidensiya sa DOJ ay biglang mawala ano ang pananagutan ng DOJ tulad halimbawa na nasunod ang office ng DOJ? Katulad ng halimbawang pagkatapos malagay sa custody ng pamahalaan ang mga witnesses ay biglang na-ambush ang mga witnesses habang inililipat sa safe houses or habang nasa custody ng pamahalaan ang mga witnesses ay bini-brain wash nila ang mga witness. Kaya marami pa ring mga witness ang ayaw lumabas dahil walang tiwala sa DOJ na kung tawagin ng mamamayan ay Department of Injustice.
November 30th, 2009 17:41
Bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin madisarmahan ang mga private armies ng mga pulitiko sa buong Mindanao? Takot ba ang Militar sa mga private armies? Anong klaseng militar meron ang Pilipinas na hindi kayang sugpuin ang mga may hawak ng illigal na mga armas. Sa tingin ng mamamayan na kontrolado ng mga generals na naka-position sa pamahalaan ang buong suporta nila kay Gloria dahil ayaw nilang mawalan ng trabaho. Kasi habang nasa kapangyarihan si Gloria ay mananatili din silang nasa kapangyarihan kaya mismong mga generals ang magbibigay proteksiyon kay Gloria at sisiguraduhin nilang mananatili si Gloria sa kapangyarihan.
November 30th, 2009 18:51
So far each of the candidates has said that fighting corruption would be one of their primary goals as president.
Ricky, I don’t know if you will be one of the moderators during the presidential debate on Wednesday, but if you are, please ask the tough questions. I have 2 in mind that I would like to hear them answer:
1. Please describe one executive order you will issue, or a law you will sponsor, or a general policy you will implement to make it more difficult for government officials to commit a corrupt act. Please be specific.
2. If we actually enforced the law, the SALN would be a powerful anti-corruption tool. Are the SALNs of you and your running mate up-to-date and on file, and are they available to any citizen upon request? As a followup: Are you willing to escort this reporter to the office where your SALN is maintained, to ensure that it will be released?
December 1st, 2009 20:46
what if? just what if, the massacre was committed for GMA to be able to file her candidacy under the radar, without the all-sseing eye of the entire media, i mean at this point Philippione media is distracted with this Ampatuan Massacre
April 13th, 2010 10:53
come on all you people,
Here in the philippines it not new,
Maybe if you will change the constitution, it will be posible all you tryn to seek, democracy treaten the law, simple rules; do not loittrng, d masunod,
Ampatuan pa,
bingi at pipi n nga bulag p! Using democracy,
Papano bibigyan ngipin ang batas n isinusulong lower house eh, sila mismo di sumusunod, andami n nga nting batas,
Hitler kpag naipatatupad nyo lahat yan,
Ang tanong kaya bang ipatupad lahat yan ng presidnte nyo,
Oh, come on,
Wag kyong magtaka kng bkit mabagal ang justice dito s pinas.,
Yan lng nman kc ang purpose ni tongressman, kapalit ng salary at pork barrel,
Tanong;
BAKIT NYO PA KILANGANG GUMAWA NG BATAS AT BIGYAN NG BATAS ANG TAONG MALAYA???
ANONG PORPUS NYO??
April 14th, 2010 10:49
its very easy to choose candidate,
1.kaalaman sa pamamahala,
2.may matatag at sariling disposisyon.
3.marunong mg.plano kinabukasan ng mamamyan,
4.kayang dalahin ang problema ng bansa,
Kaya ako, yung alam ko lng n para sa akin kayang dalahin ang bansa. Gibo at Mar.