CHR seeks disarming of Maguindanao’s private armies

MANILA, Nov. 24 -– Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is calling for seizure of arms from all private armies in Maguindanao province to help prevent further occurrence of bloodshed there.

”We support the proposal to disarm all private armies of politicians there to avert further violence,” CHR Chairperson Leila de Lima said Monday.

She made the call after reports said some 100 armed men, allegedly members of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan’s private army, abducted and massacred in broad daylight over 30 people including several journalists and the wife of Buluan town Vice-Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu, the official’s alleged political arch rival.

There are talks linking this massacre to the Vice-Mayor’s plan of running as Maguindanao governor during next year’s elections.

The ill-fated group was traveling with Mangudadatu’s wife Genalyn to accompany her in filing her husband’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor when abducted in Ampatuan municipality and killed later.

Reports said some of the victims were even beheaded and mutilated.

Mangudadatu confirmed his wife and several relatives are among the massacre victims.

Reports also said several journalists including DZRH’s Henry Araneta and Manila Bulletin’s Bong Reblando traveled with Mangudadatu’s wife to cover the COC filing.

”It’s really beyond words – it’s shocking,” de Lima said.

She assured CHR will continue monitoring this case and working to help address Maguindanao's human rights situation.

Mangudadatu reported four to five people who traveled with the ill-fated group managed to escape death.

He declined to say how this happened and to identify where they are for fear those who carried out the massacre will hunt them down.

”I was able to talk to them and they’ll come out to tell their story in due time,” he said.

Authorities reported already recovering 21 of the dead victims. (PNA) LBV/CJT/jme

Similar Posts:

• (Update) State forces pursue Maguindanao abductors
• De Lima to Maguindanao massacre victims' kins: Justice will be served under P-Noy gov't
• Mangudadatu laughs off Ampatuan's claim that MILF behind the Maguindanao massacre
• Presidential aide wants Maguindanao placed under state of emergency after civilians' massacre
• Palace candidate says DOJ decision appealable to OP