Silliman U, womens grp. condemn massacre

The Silliman University community strongly condemns the kill ing of 57 people, and counting, in Maguindanao.

We are one in demanding for a swift execution of justice for the victims, among them fellow Sillimanian, Atty. Concepcion Jayme-Brizuela. Atty. Brizuela graduated from Silliman in 1975 with degrees in Creative Writing and Journalism. All the victims were ruthlessly murdered defying all sense of godliness, humanity and value for persons and life that Sillimanians everywhere hold dear.

We demand justice for Mr. Eduardo and Mrs. Cynthia Lechoncito, parents of our Medical Technology major, Stephanie, who were among the victims in the Maguindanao massacre. The couple was on their way for a medical check-up.

What took place in Maguindanao was an act of political desperation. It paints a gruesome picture of abject neglect of basic human rights and of despicable abuse of power.

To the families of the victims, the killings were a deliberate attempt at advancing personal interests at the expense of their loved ones. To our friends in media, it was a daring reinforcement of the impediment to the practice of journalism, one aimed at curtailing press freedom and killing our democracy. To us as a Filipino nation, it is yet another reason to be outraged at how our collective sense of self is yet again assaulted and violated by political and government leaders who, for narrow self-interests to hold on to power, willingly, routinely and wantonly betray public trust.

While reports point to the killings as borne out of a political rivalry between two influential families, the effects are far reaching. The killings further compromise efforts at achieving lasting peace in Mindanao. They highlight more than the issue of political dynasties; they bring to our attention and consciousness deeper and greater concerns of poverty, corruption, poor delivery of basic services, and the use of public office for lucrative private gains.

The Silliman community extends its condolences to the families of the victims. Pain and fear have been sown, and we pray for healing for those affected and for the rest of our brothers and sisters in Maguindanao.

We bewail what happened. Something has to be done. We need solid political will. Let us be one in committing to ensure that this ruthless act, in whatever shape or form, will not repeat itself. As one step toward action, we urge all Sillimanians everywhere to wear black ribbons as collective and personal outrage over this massacre and for the apparent failure of our government to protect the lives of our citizens.

Also, please participate in all mass actions and other legal activities to condemn the same. Be heard, through your voices and votes!

Evidence must be had. But clearly, accountability and culpability are already at hand when all involved are openly admitted to be political allies of the President. For if they really are, why has the President failed to stop them from maintaining armed followers and from intimidating citizens? Political cuddling and accommodation have resulted to death of many innocent victims. Because these are her close allies, the President cannot escape direct accountability and culpability.

We implore her to forget all personal political debts and move decisively and immediately to protect our national life and self-respect. Get all perpetrators now!