Unspeakable, Barbaric – under the "Strong Republic"

As the grim details of the Maguindanao slowly come out, we find ourselves at a loss for words to describe it other than -

UNSPEAKABLE, BARBARIC.

And equally for us all, we assert that the massacre is not "a mere aberration" as Malacañang puts it. In truth, it stands as a stark reminder of unfettered lawlessness in the country by lawless elements tolerated, if not encouraged by direct support or inaction, by the "Strong Republic" of the present dispensation.

If indeed we have a "Strong Republic," how on earth could a reported 100-strong private army allegedly led by a local mayor who is an administration ally have been able to block a convoy on a public highway, herd and kill everyone with the group and on sight, and bury all of them in a mass grave by the roadside with their vehicles to boot?

That the massacre is election-related on the occasion of the nomination of a rival candidate makes it even egregiously worse.

Worst, certain elements of the police may have even been involved.

And now that aspirants for the 2010 polls are filing their certificates of candidacy, the Maguindanao Massacre should serve as a lesson for the Comelec and all of us to ensure a peaceful and orderly campaign and voting.

Violence simply must be prevented at all costs.

Otherwise, our very democratic way of life would be seriously undermined, and it will not be long before a similar massacre happens to the detriment of the victims and their families and the entire society.

It bears stressing, especially to the powers that be, that as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "(e)veryone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives." (UDHR, Article 21a)

And our own Constitution specifically provides that: "The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy." (Const., Article II, Sec. 5.)

At bottom then, the Maguindanao Massacre is a tragedy that could have been avoided if truly a culture of respect for human rights prevails and the mandate of the Constitution is truly pursued. That it happened only reveals that that the "Strong Republic" is nothing but all for show.

It is high time we truly establish and maintain a real "rule of law" in every facet of our lives in the community and in every part of the country, especially in election matters.

We pray for each of the 57 dead or more, and hope for justice to be served justly.

We also express our deepest sympathies to their families, friends and loved ones.