8/14/2019 We Will Never Forget November 23 Statement of Pandayan Para

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We will never forget November 23

Statement of Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (PANDAYAN)

Boy Nuera, Chairperson, PANDAYANNovember 26, 2009

The Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (PANDAYAN) condemns in the strongest terms the brutalpolitically-motivated massacre in Maguindanao of women, lawyers, civilians and journalists.

Under the current administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Philippines has become the most

dangerous place in the world for media workers. According to the International Federation of Journalists(IFJ), at least 74 journalists have been killed during its eight-year reign, yet this regime's response to end this

culture of impunity is barbarically inept and ineffectual. This is unacceptable.

Forming a 14-member legal team to handle the Maguindanao massacre case is not enough. The regime

of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should take firm and decisive actions and ensure that the perpetrators of this

heinous crime will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

We also call upon the PNP to completely revamp their ranks in the province to ensure that their people are

non-partisan. Once perpetrators are positively identified, we urge that they be immediately arrested and put to

jail.

Pandayan appeals to all parties concerned to restrain themselves from retributive acts of justice, and we

condemn the pervading climate of impunity, coercion and terror to maintain or secure elective positions, thatgive rise to warlordism and further violence.

We urge the dismantling of all private armies and the confiscation of their firearms, starting with knownwarring factions not only in Maguindanao but also in places that historically are considered hot spots every

election.

We call upon the COMELEC to impose the total gun ban now and not wait until January 2010. We call upon

the PNP to strictly implement the ban to prevent further violence as we approach the 2010 elections.

We call upon the PNP to expedite the investigations and resolution of past incidences of violenceagainst elected officials and political rivals, to have the will to prosecute the perpetrators of the crime

regardless of political positions and connections. We urge both the AFP and the PNP to ensure their non-

partisanship especially on the ground.

Pandayan also calls upon the Filipino people and on its volunteers nationwide to strengthen their ranks,

exercise vigilance, and in their own respective areas lead in identifying and monitoring potential threat to thesecurity situation.

Pandayan supports the COMELEC and encourages the PNP to fulfill their tasks to ensure the holding of a

truly credible and peaceful elections in May 2010.

The Filipino people and the whole world are watching and will continue to watch this case. Pandayan will

make sure that we will never forget November 23. Finally, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolencesto the families and colleagues of all those killed in Maguindanao.

Contact Person:

Roy C. CP No. 09282237503

184 Maguinhawa Street, Brgy. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.Email: pascres.national@gmail.com