Int’l groups in Belgium condemn massacre in Maguindanao

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Days after the Maguindanao massacre, the European Commission in Brussels immediately issued a press statement.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, in a statement sent to ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, lambasted the brutal killings of innocent civilians last Nov. 23,

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the barbaric killing on 23 November 2009 of innocent civilians, including women, journalists and lawyers, who were preparing to participate in the electoral process in the Philippines”, he said in the statement.

Apart from condoling with the families of the massacre victims, Ferrero-Waldner said he hopes that everything will be done to give justice to the aggrieved ones.

“I convey my profound condolences to the families of all those killed. I note with satisfaction the declaration of the President of the Philippines, that all will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.

He also called on everyone to stay calm especially with elections set next year.

“I call for calm in the period leading up to the forthcoming elections scheduled for May 2010. In the face of this atrocity, the rules of law and democracy have to prevail”, he added.

On the other hand, International Action for Liberation (INTAL), called on the Arroyo government to act at once.

“Well Arroyo has to do something because the outrage is immense. She has to do something, she has to react”, said INTAL Desk Officer for Philippines Wim de Ceukelaire.

He said he believes that 2010 elections will be more chaotic and dangerous compared to the previous ones should the government fail to serve justice.

“I’m afraid that this election campaign will be even more bloody than previous election campaign and probably this massacre is only the start of it”, de Ceukalaire stated.

Meanwhile, the Filipino community in Brussels offered a mass to all the victims of the massacre in Ampatuan town and their families. They pray that such act of cruelty should never happen again and should serve as an eye opener to everyone.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com/