As an alumnus of the University of the Philippines Manila and a political science graduate, I believe this is worth reposting for the world to see.

Statement of the UP Manila Political Science Committee on the Massacre in Maguindanao

The UP Manila Political Science Committee condemns in the strongest possible terms the latest case of election violence in Maguindanao.

November 23 will go down in history as a day of unparalleled evil and barbarity. More than 50 unarmed individuals, mostly women, media workers, lawyers and members of the Mangudadatu clan, were butchered in an attempt to preserve what appears to be a monolithic kingdom ruled by the Ampatuans in Maguindanao.

The massacre in Maguindanao comes as a shock to Filipinos and the rest of the world and happened in a time that has long forgone Stone Age barbarism and arbitrariness for rule of law and due process.

The brutal killings did not only reveal the extent of lawless violence in several areas in the country but bare the bigger tragedy in Philippine politics – the continuing supremacy of established political clans who act as impervious and invincible gods. It’s further proof that nothing has essentially changed and that the country remains a confederacy of fiefs ‘owned’ by a few affluent families.
I’ll be posting additional photos…

The overconcentration of power in the hands of political dynasties has been sustained and reinforced by brokerage-style politics that has come to characterize the current regime.

Political patronage allowed warlordism and a culture of impunity to thrive in Maguindanao and other parts of the country in exchange for political support from the Ampatuans and other influential political clans for the vulnerable Arroyo presidency. Since 2001, the Ampatuans intermittently ruled the province and were largely credited for delivering the votes for Mrs. Arroyo in the 2004 presidential elections and giving the administration ticket a 12-0 win in the 2007 senatorial race.

As we grieve with the victims’ families and call for immediate justice, we also denounce the evident attempts of Malacanang to shield the Ampatuans from accountability. The failure of the Arroyo administration to act swiftly displays the government’s duplicity in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The mere fact that the government chose to send emissaries to the Ampatuans and not arresting officers despite clear evidence that indicate the involvement of specific persons shows its double standard and preferential treatment for its political ally.

We call on all Filipinos to remain vigilant. The gruesome massacre presages the possible escalation of cases of election violence and echoes circumstances that led to the fraudulent elections in 2004 and 2007. It poses a huge threat on the conduct and credibility of the upcoming automated elections and opens an opportunity for individuals and groups who want and stand to benefit in a no-election scenario.

We also call on Congress to pass pending measures prohibiting all forms of political dynasties and laying the foundations for genuine participatory democracy that provides equal opportunity for public service.

Here are some gruesome photos of the Maguindanao Massacre:

Maguindanao Massacre Photo

Maguindanao Massacre Images

Maguindanao Massacre Pictures

Maguindanao Massacre Pics

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