“We, from different child rights organizations join hundreds of thousands of fellow Filipinos in condemning the brutal Ampatuan Massacre.  We express our deepest condolences to the kin of the victims of this dastardly act, especially the orphans who at this moment, are grieving and  fearing for their safety,” said Ms. Sophia Garduce, spokesperson of SALINLAHI Alliance for Children’s Concerns as they joined the gathering in front of Mendiola bridge to denounce the recent massacre in Maguindanao, in a statement released today.

The group said that the massacre showed the impunity of those in power, where even innocent civilians, including journalists, are not safe.  “The words heard by an alleged witness to this demonic act, ‘kill them all, including women and children’ is outrageously infuriating,” stressed Garduce.  She   added that “this incident showed that powerful political clans blatantly disregard the sanctity of life just to perpetuate their ambitions to rule.”

Garduce narrated their experience in dealing with children victims of political repression. “We have been witnesses to the suffering of  children who were orphaned by political violence perpetrated by the STATE who are supposed to be their protector for a long time now,” narrates Garduce.  She pointed out that orphans of victims of extra judicial killings and enforced disappearances continue to seek justice. “We cannot deny that only justice can bring back their lost innocence and yet, here comes another gruesome massacre,” narrates Ms. Garduce.

The group also condemned the act of the national government in giving “special protection” to the suspects. “It is a clear indication that political friends and allies are more important to the President than justice for the victims and the well being of their children.  It is utterly disgusting that state security forces gently handle the suspect/s in this massacre, contrary to the past manhandling of activists,  human rights workers, journalists, and progressive legislators who fight for truth and  justice on behalf of the marginalized Filipino people.” Garduce said.

“As the chief executive and  commander-in-chief, we hold the President accountable for the massacre, and for all human rights violations done within her eight dark years of presidency,”  issued Garduce.  “By relegating the investigation and prosecution to the DILG, Ms. Arroyo is again trying to escape accountability from this shameful act of her avid ally. We also demand that Pres. Arroyo dismantle all private armies and death squads and bring them all to justice, together with military personnel perpetrators of other human rights violations.  Better yet, Arroyo should consider resigning now, so that her inutile administration can save even an iota of delicadeza that might be left. She owes that much to the orphans who are victims of her eight years of terror,” Garduce ended. ###