I think the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao is just fare for all the victims for the immediate capture of the suspects behind the massacre.
MANILA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Interior Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno said the government has taken "forceful measures" to give justice to the victims of the massacre in Maguindanao.
"Forceful measures have been taken quietly since Monday while not allowing armed groups, including the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) from taking control of the area," Puno said in a press briefing in Thursday.
"This is something our society can not accept; our enforcers of the law can not accept," he stressed
Puno said that hours after Monday's carnage was uncovered, the government immediately created a crisis management committee led by Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza.
The committee was able to push Andal Ampatuan Jr., the mayor of the town of Datu Unsay in Maguindanao and the prime suspect in the massacre that claimed 57 lives, to surrender Monday morning to Dureza and Philippine Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera.
"We gave him (Ampatuan) an ultimatum and we gave him until 10 o'clock this morning (to surrender)," Puno said.
Seven police officers in Maguindanao who were allegedly involved in the incident were likewise removed from their posts and were already placed under restrictive custody.
These police officers are Senior Supt. Agusana Maguid, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police's provincial office; Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, deputy police director; Senior Insp.Ariel Diongson, OIC, Group Director of 1508th Provincial Mobile Group (PMG); Senior Police Officer 2 Badawi Bakal, OIC of the DatuAmpatuan Police Station. These officers will also be flown from Cotabato city to join Ampatuan and several other suspects in inquest proceedings to be held in Manila.
These four officers, along with Insp. Armando Mariga, OIC, Group Director of the 1506th PMG and Insp. Saudi Mokamad, OIC, Group Director of the 1507th PMG were all administratively relieved from their posts.
Puno said the government has also replaced all police officers in Maguindanao; secured the provincial capitol building along with the municipal halls of Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak, and placed under investigation all policemen of the Ampatuan police station for possible complicity in the crime. He also assured that the four companies of Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary (SCAA) units in the area were deactivated and all of their 347 members combined were disarmed.
The justice department has also taken the deposition of all witnesses who would provide strong evidence for the government to be able to build an airtight case against those responsible for the massacre.
The National Police Commission has adapted a resolution withdrawing the deputation powers of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. (father of Andal Jr.) and all mayors of the municipalities in the province which effectively strips them of all their powers over the local police in their respective areas of responsibility.
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Jesus Verzosasaid that all permits to carry firearms have been indefinitely suspended in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City,
Verzosa said he is also reiterating his earlier recommendation to limit the assignment of police officers to government officialsto only two close-in security aides who should all be in proper uniform when on duty.
Top suspect in Maguindanao massacre charged with multiple murder
MANILA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The top suspect in Monday's slaughter in Maguindanao has been formally charged with multiple murder before the Philippine Department of Justice, local media reported Thursday.
Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, together with Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno, performed the inquest at the General Santos City airport Thursday, according to Inquirer.net, the website of the Philippine Dauly Inquirer, the country's biggest broadsheet. Full story
Philippine massacre toll rises to 57 as governor, son eyed as suspects
AMPATUAN, Philippines, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 57 people were killed in the stunning massacre of journalists, civilians and relatives of politicians in the volatile southern Philippines as more bodies were unearthed from a mass grave, military and police officials said.
Ltcol Romeo Brawner, the chief military spokesman, said 11 bodies were discovered as rescuers continued to dig the hillside grave in Saniag village, Amputuan town of Maguindanao province on Wednesday. Full story
Philippine president declares national day of mourning for victims
MANILA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday declared a national day of mourning for the victims of Monday's massacre in the country's southern province of Maguindanao.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a press briefing that Ms Arroyo declared the national day of mourning three days after the worst massacre in the country's history in which at least 49 people, including journalists, were brutally killed. Full story
China condemns hostage killing in southern Philippines
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday condemned the hostage killing in southern Philippines which left at least 37 people dead.
"We are shocked by the incident. We denounce it and extend our sincere sympathy to the families of the victims," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press briefing. Full story
Gunmen seize 40 people in southern Philippines
DAVAO CITY, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified gunmen seized on Monday 40 people, including 20 journalists, in the province of Maguindanao, southern Philippines.
A local radio station reported that armed men took journalists and a group of politicians who were suppose to file their certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Elections in the town of Shariff Aguak. Full story
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