Calvin’s Hub

Sad to say, the Philippines is now dubbed as the most dangerous country for journalists to work according to the International Federation Journalists.

We were at the fourth spot behind Pakistan, Somalia and former number 1, Iraq before the Maguindanao election-related massacre last Monday killed 57 people (death toll as of this writing), 22 of those are journalists.

According to reports, Buluan Vice-Mayor Toto Mungadadatu was supposed to file for his candidacy for the gubernatorial seat in Maguindanao. Because of death threats, he asked for security escort from the ARMM police but was turned down. Same thing when he asked help from the Philippine Army.

Thinking that journalists and Muslim women won’t be harmed, he asked help from the media and had his wife, Genalyn, and her female siblings along with a couple of female lawyer file for his candidacy.

Turns out they were not spared. 37 journalists, 16 Muslim women and 5 drivers were ambushed on their way to Shariff Aguak by 100 armed men believed to be followers of the current Maguindanao governor, Datu Andal Ampatuan. The media convoy was forced to a remote hillside and were killed with M-16 rifles and machetes. There was also a freshly dug pit where their vehicles and bodies were buried.

Excavation is still ongoing and it was believed that innocent motorists who were just at the wrong place and at the wrong time were also killed along with the convoy.

Sad. I couldn’t believe that such gruesome thing could happen here in our country. I thought this only happens in Rambo’s world, well aside from the Khmer Rouge killings in Cambodia in the 70’s. I hope justice will be swift despite reports that the Ampatuan’s are close to President Arroyo helping her secure her presidency in 2004.

Thoughts?

For more reading materials:

RP most dangerous place for journalists to work—watchdog
Inquirer man recounts harrowing tales of survival
Philippine massacre probe focuses on Arroyo ally
Buried vehicles found as massacre toll hits 57

• Bangkok Dangerous movie review
• Mikey Arroyo defends his wealth on TV
• Introducing the Hello Kitty chainsaw

Filed under: Grrrrr