| ARMM gov appeals to Malacanang, media: be fair |
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| by Malu Cadeliña Manar/MindaNews | |
| Sunday, 29 November 2009 17:58 | |
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KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/29 November) -- ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, elder brother of the primary suspect in the Nov 23 Ampatuan massacre, has appealed to Malacanang, and even to media, that he be treated fairly. Ampatuan, in a press briefing held today at his residence in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, said that he is being persecuted for a crime he did not commit. “I was in Manila during the time the incident happened. I have a plane ticket as proof,” he told media.Ampatuan is among those accused in the killing of at least 57 persons, 30 of them media workers from General Santos, Koronadal, Davao and Tacurong, two female lawyers and relatives of Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu who is running for governor. The murder drew condemnations from all corners and from all walks of life. Fr. Ramon Ma. Bernabe, provincial superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) who is based in Cotabato City, said the savagery and ruthlessness of the massacre will continue to chill our bones and numb our minds days, weeks, and years after the tragedy. Kelly Delgado, secretary-general of Karapatan, a human rights group based in Davao City, said, “The brutal crime committed by a private army of a warlord in one of the election hotspots in the country is proof of the ‘barbaric impunity’ by which the perpetrators can kill and even try to hide the crime as if no law can be applied to prevent them from committing such a brutal act in a broad daylight.” Ampatuan said he is being prevented from dispensing his functions as governor of the ARMM. President Arroyo designated Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno to “take control” of ARMM days after the Nov 23 massacre. Puno was given full powers of supervision, meaning, he is free to carry out his own recommendation to relieve local government officials, as well as military and police officials in connection with the massacre and replace them. Press Secretary Serge Remonde earlier said that Puno’s appointment was to help restore normalcy, peace and order and provide an atmosphere conducive for an efficient and effective investigation free from intimidation. “But I beg those handling this investigation to observe due process of law,” he said as he appealed to media, “Please be fair in your reporting.” Earlier, Ampatuan called on Muslims and Christians alike, not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the massacre and instead allow authorities to finish their investigation and identify the culprits as well as the real motive for the attack. “We are one in seeking justice for the victims of the massacre,” he said. The carnage left at least 57 dead, including Genalin, wife of Vice Mayor Mangudadatu, his two sisters, other relatives, two female lawyers, 30 journalists, and six commuters who happened to pass the highway in Ampatuan at the wrong gime. Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr.,mayor of Datu Unsay town, principal suspect in the massacre, is now in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation. He has been charged with multiple murder, among others. (Malu Cadelina-Manar/MindaNews) Share this story through the following Social Media sites:            |
