Recently, Series of honors received by the Filipinos. We were admired in the world because of victorious and heroic act by Manny Pacquiao in boxing and Efren Peñaflorida as CNN Hero of the Year. We are still in glorious celebration for these triumphs. Now we are again in the HEADLINES of world NEWS neither by winning nor by indeed heroic act, but a demonic act happened in the vicinity of this country PHILIPPINES.

Province of MAGUINDANAO identified in the world not for tourism, but for the MASSACRE occurred here. The MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE or the AMPATUAN MASSACRE is described to be the worst in the history of Philippine journalism, with the highest number of journalists killed ever recorded. The latest death toll stood at 57, including at least 12 journalists and 8 media crew. Various media organizations speaks like NUJP, FFFJ, PPI, PCIJ, Southeast Asian Press Alliance (Seapa), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD) and Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and even other world leaders asking for immediate action of our government. But it took several hours before they presented the Suspect for this heinous crime.

The victims were about to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town morning of November 23, 2009, in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province. Mangudadatu was challenging Andal S. Ampatuan, Jr., son of the incumbent Maguindanao governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., in the forthcoming Maguindanao gubernatorial election, part of the national elections in 2010. Those killed included Mangudadatu’s wife, his two sisters, lawyers, and aides.

This is really demonic act and yet they took several hours before the government issued an arrest warrant to Ampatuan. I remember the case of Mr Ted Failon that even the evidence is not substantially enough he was soon invited to the police office to be investigated. Why this family of leaders in Maguindanao can’t be touched even though plenty are accusing them as the mastermind in the killing. In past elections, and only in Maguindanao have recorded 12-0 in the senatorial election. Majorities has doubted the result of that election in Maguindanao and blame it to be fraud. By that I assumed the reason why the AMPATUAN can’t be arrested. I will not speak about this it is difficult to lay blame. But I think there’s more news to be exploded aside from Political rivalry and “maybe” the reason why these killers have nerve to execute a dreadful murder.

Although is Maguindanao from Manila, the country is affected by the bad news. It is very embarrassing and that certainly affected our image as a FILIPINO. Justice for the VICTIMS. I encourage you to post your comments here and WEAR BLACK TODAY FRIDAY to express our indignation over Maguindanao massacre. LET’S SHOW OUR COLLECTIVE OUTRAGE over this senseless killing of women, journalists, lawyers and innocent people. Let us all PRAY for the peaceful and righteous election this 2010.

Update December 10, 2009 9;00 pm, manila time- military trucks bringing evidence to GenSan ambushed in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao.