25 November 2009
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) is horrified at the terrible massacre of at least 46 civilians, including at least 13 journalists, in Maguindanao Province on Mindanao. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of all the victims.
This outrage is part of a pattern of persistent violence throughout the Philippines, of which Mindanao is only the most severely affected region. The long-running conflict between the government and the Moro people has included numerous crimes against civilians committed by both sides. The conflict has so far defied all efforts at peacemaking, most recently in 2008 when a promising agreement was aborted by the state.
This locally violent climate has been greatly exacerbated by the formation of militias by various local leaders around the country, such as the Ampatuan family allegedly responsible for this week’s atrocity, who increasingly behave like warlords that are untouchable to the police and judicial system. Such private militias, normally illegal in the Philippines, were given a veneer of official sanction by Executive Order 546 issued in 2006. Such groups have long been considered the primary perpetrators of the swelling wave of extrajudicial killings of journalists and activists around the country, and they are certainly also a major obstacle to achieving sustainable peace in Mindanao. In addition, since most of these leaders are either elected officials or candidates, violence rises in almost every election season, which seems to be the proximate cause of this incident.
The government’s initial response of a state of emergency can only be a short-term palliative. Not only must the perpetrators of this particular atrocity be brought to justice, but much greater systemic reforms are urgently needed to stem the violence and restore the rule of law throughout the Philippines. An end to impunity for all local gunmen and warlords can only be achieved if the central government severs its political links with such figures, including rescinding Executive Order 546, and establishes strong, professional mechanisms that can investigate and prosecute all extrajudicial killings without fear or favor. In particular, in the runup to national elections in May 2010, the government must take much more effective measures to reduce election-related violence, to ensure that citizens in all parts of the country can participate in the election process safely.
In Mindanao, the state must return to the peace talks as soon as possible, with a more sincere effort to reach a lasting settlement. When such talks begin, we call as well on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to live up to its stated commitment to achieving such an agreement.
Finally, recalling our statement of 28 August 2008, at the conclusion of our international mission to Mindanao, we once again “reaffirm our solidarity with the all the peoples of Mindanao and Sulu, Christian Muslim, and Lumad.” In particular, we continue to extend our unwavering support for the many civil society organizations who are working tirelessly, often at great risk to themselves, for peace and human rights in the region.
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