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The Movement for Muslim Christian Dialogue (MMCD), an interreligious movement of Muslims and Christians, joins the call of the Filipino people in condemning the massacre in Maguindanao that has claimed the lives of 57 persons.
We are appalled and shocked by the gruesome crime that has been committed. Defenseless civilians – women, journalists, lawyers and even passersby – were brutally murdered and then dumped in mass graves. It is unfathomable how this barbaric act could have been contemplated in the first place. It is indeed a crime that cries for justice! It can only be surmised that the premeditated plan was hatched and carried out by the perpetrators with the belief that they could get away with it and they would be unpunished. Such is the culture of impunity that has now plagued our country!
We call on the government to end this culture of impunity. Perpetrators of crimes have to answer for their wrongdoings within a justice system that moves swiftly and without delay. They should not be coddled and rewarded with political favors. Private armies of warlords have to be disbanded and firearms have to be strictly controlled, because the presence of both has emboldened the perpetrators. This is the time to show the outraged Filipino people that the government can still act with resolute will and transparency as well as true respect for the rule of law. Inadequate government action now will only breed more violence.
As the trial on the massacre unfolds, we call on our fellow citizens to remain vigilant.
We are one with the families of the victims and all people of peace who cry for immediate justice. With them, we demand that the government live up to its commitments to uphold human rights, to protect women and children. Particular attention has to be given to media practitioners and lawyers so that they can do their work unhampered by threats of violence. Stop the impunity and the killings that have so blighted our country!
Movement for Muslim Christian Dialogue (MMCD)
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