A beckon of impasses is yet again happening in our nation today. The string of bombings in Mindanao isn't the latest piece of art anymore; it's the killing of media men and civilians that put this country to ordeal. Because of the undying racial, religious and political squabble, we are now facing the same dilemmas over and over again . What in the world is happening to our nation ?..
The hottest headline for this year is the Maguindanao massacre or the so called Ampatuan massacre that really grossed out many of us. It happened last November 23, 2009 nd 10:00am-03:00pm in the town of the Ampatuan in Maguindanao province, on the island of Mindanao . The reason for this bloody and unmerciful slaughter was nothing else but political mess, the rivalry between the Mangudadatu clan and the Ampatuan clan. Fifty-seven persons – including the number one adversary of the Ampatuan's, Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu's wife, Genalyn Tiamson-Mangudadatu to file her and her family's certificates of candidacy (COCs), as well as 37 journalists covering the event – were confirmed killed when heavily armed men intercepted the group on its way to the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Maguindanao. (Philippine Star)
At least there are 57 unarmed civilians who were victims of a country extensive to cynical election violence. Many of these dead bodies were supporters and relatives of Esmael Mangudadatu who is running for the position challenging the main suspect, Datu Unsay mayor Andal S. Ampatuan , of this carnage . Mangudadatu said that reports had reached him that his rivals threatened to chop him to pieces once he filed his COC, and felt the presence of 37 journalists would deter such and attack . This distraught spot of the more often than not makes the main act for its long-running Muslim pro-self-rule insurgence. And so this massacre evidently bares a national melancholy; the ferocious competition for political power among the country’s aristocrats that has the power over an immoderate of national means-and the others were frantic to go and protect their clasp of supremacy. But then, who would ever thought that power would be the reason for the death of 57 people ?..
Reports in television footage showed that there are bodies slouched around the vehicles; some were found in a so called "mass grave". The signs of killing showed that a high powered mechanical digger was used in burying some of the bodies and vehicles. In line with this, Malacañang condemned the brutal happening as a “supreme act of inhumanity that is scar on our nation," and promised to bring justice ..
When we do have enemies usually we will do anything to hurt them; maybe in an emotional or physical way. But when you talk in a political manner, MURDERING is the ultimate tool in eliminating their rivals. "Many regard these posts as personal entitlements and their enemies are rival political families," says Benito Lim, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. "If they cannot come to an arrangement, then eliminating a rival is an option."
Although the Governor, Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. are now locked behind bars, the police are still searching everywhere for more clues to determine some strong evidences. The searching for answers eventually lead to more questions rather than by answering it. The Ampatuan's were said to have an "Unexplained Wealth". Wealth I mean, more than 20 Mansions are said to be theirs all over the Philippines. Wow! And I thought Manny Pacquaio is a very rich person already !..
As for our Muslim brothers they have this revenge-driven clan war - or "rido" as it is called in - between the two families. Because of that the concerned area was put under Martial Law .. But last December 12, the law became ineffective ..
This is just to avoid warlordism that is said to be unique in some parts of areas. However, these kind of political wars are not only seen in Mindanao it is also addressing some northern areas like ABRA that is a byword of political grudge. Anyhow only in Mindanao was widely established which gave a wrong impression to other parts of the area , many tourist were afraid in visiting the place. This affects the tourism income of the island and some cities ..
The incident saddened a lot of us, because again this will hinder us from achieving our goal- to regain the great and glorious years of our mother nation. As the hope of our nation, we the youth should be aware of what is happening in our society today, we should break boundaries and build bridges in reaching out to others. Thinking about it, It made me wonder why such a horrifying thing happened in such a small place ?. I mean, why Maguindanao ?. Are the people behind it really are that selfish ?. Or are they just craving for more power ?. Or maybe they just did that because they can ?.
Never say you don’t care-we should break the INFINITE SILENCE ..
Freedom.Progress.JUSTICE
