Are the Ampatuans Guilty?
Posted in Advisory, General on 12/06/2009 08:17 pm by Barangay Tanod
Well this isn’t really a trick question but I just thought I would solicit some feedbacks from our dear readers on their reactions regarding the celebrated massacre that took place in the Philippines, the Maguindanao Massacre. As you know, 57 (58 if you count the one unaccounted for) people were murdered in cold blood which probably signaled one of the tragic and worst post-election violence since former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law in the 70s. The victims were believed to be shot with high-powered firearms and the cause was obviously geared towards vice mayor’s intent to run for mayor. The vice mayor, Esmael Mangudadatu, also lost his wife who allegedly made a last-minute call through her mobile phone when they were flagged down by Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. Mayor Ampatuan Jr. also allegedly slapped her when the convoy was stopped.
Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. is now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation and is facing 7 counts of murder. Ampatuan Jr. has blamed the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) as the people behind the massacre which the latter vehemently denies. And if you ask the Filipino people, none of them believe his allegations as well since there is no reason for such along with the series of events such as that alleged mobile phone call.
Also just the other day, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered Martial Law in Maguindanao which further intensifies the aura over the controversial province. Prior to this declaration, a large amount of heavy artillery and firearms were found at various points of the Ampatuan residents, more than enough to power an army. The Ampatuans have a private army of their own which is being investigated at the moment.
Other Ampatuans who are holding government office have been arrested and detained for questioning. While they claim their innocence, it seems that the Ampatuans have all the right reasons to be linked to the massacre. Provinces in the Philippines are known to be dangerous, especially when election time comes. And seeing that Esmael Mangudadatu could very well be a threat to his reign of power, Andal Ampatuan Jr. seems to be in a very deep hole which has dragged his family into this mess as well. So are they guilty? Well unless a court accepts taking the case, nothing is final. The local courts have chosen to stay away from handling the case perhaps due to fear as well. Until that is settled, Maguindanao is one place you don’t want to be in if you are in the Philippines.
Image Credits: SMH