A Day of Mourning

Four days ago, a group of people composed of journalists, lawyers, civilians and the wife of a candidate for a governatorial position in Maguindanao and their relatives were waylaid in what could be the country's most brutal slay in recent history. As of press time, the fatalities have reached the 57 mark. If not for a helicopter hovering above the area, all the victims and their vehicles would have been completely buried by a backhoe owned by the provincial government.

I could not believe that things like this would still be happening in this country that is supposed to be practicing the rule of law.

Being with media as a columnist in one of the top newspapers here in Cebu some years back, I condemn in the strongest sense this blatant attack against the press and the innocent civilians.

Together with everyone else in this country, I demand justice for the victims. I mourn with the families for their loss and may all the perpetrators believed to be more than a hundred be arrested and brought to court.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared today a day of mourning and has ordered a quick action on the incident.