Iloilo City Council condemns Maguindanao massacre
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved two resolutions condemning the Maguindanao massacre and calling for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s swift action. The resolutions were sponsored by two former mediamen.
The first resolution authored by Councilor Armand Parcon is asking President Arroyo to act immediately and bring to justice the perpetrators responsible for the killing of 57 people including 30 journalists.
The victims were on their way to file the certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor of Buluan vice Mayor Ismael Mangundadatu at the Commission on Elections provincial office in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, when stopped by some 100 armed men allegedly led by Maguindanao Mayor Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr. Bodies of the victims and their vehicles were dug in shallow grave.
Ampatuan yesterday has submitted himself for inquest proceedings regarding the gruesome massacre which raised condemnation from the different parts of the globe. He was turned over by his brother Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan to Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza.
The government has taken steps to appease the families of the victims and appease the mounting condemnation from the international community.
In his resolution, Parcon said the warlords in Mindanao has placed the country in bad light through shameless beast-like killings never before the history of the country had happened.
Parcon said the clan war in Maguindanao has involved many innocent people. The media were not spared too. It is about time that the government should take concrete action against lawlessness.
The second resolution also authored by Parcon and co-authored by councilor Ely Estante expressed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims particularly of the journalists who have roots in Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
Both Parcon and Estante were reporters of Bombo Radyo before elected as councilors. One of those who were killed in the massacre is connected with Bombo Radyo.
The two resolutions were unanimously approved by the members of the city council despite the present political alignment at the legislative body.
