The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro-led civil society organizations, joins all peace-loving people in condemning the gruesome massacre of more than 50 people including women, human rights advocates and journalists in the municipality of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro-led civil society organizations, joins all peace-loving people in condemning the gruesome massacre of more than 50 people including women, human rights advocates and journalists in the municipality of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
We call for judicious, swift and impartial investigations that will lead to the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators.
We appeal to all the citizens, especially to the media, to be vigilant even as we await a speedy dispensation of justice for the victims of the massacre.
We urge for sobriety to prevent further tensions in Maguindanao that could lead to armed confrontations even as we extend our condolences to the bereaved families of all the victims.
We register these calls even as we express our anxiety that the situation does not warrant President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s declaration of state of emergency as appropriate response to the problem due to the following reasons, among others, to wit:
The two parties have articulated support for the rule of law;
The declaration could be used as a pretext for the postponement of the upcoming elections in the three areas covered by the declared state of emergency; namely: Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato City; and,
It could result to more human rights violations.
Let the rule of law take its course so that justice will reign in the end.
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)
KFI Compound, Doña Pilar Street, Poblacion IV
9600 Cotabato City, Philippines
Telefax No.: +63 (064) 421-5420
Mobile No.: 0917-726-7576, 0928-253-0181
E-mail: cbcs_04@yahoo. com, secretariat@ cbcsi.org