Maguindanao, memorial marked by bombs found at massacre scene
The bombs were on the edge of the road and were defused by police. For security reasons many families of the victims of the massacre of 23 November 2009 did not participate in the celebrations. The country is divided over the corruption trial against former President Arroyo. AsiaNews sources judge accusations of her involvement in the massacre claimed 58 victims to be exaggerated.
Manila (AsiaNews) – Tension is still high in Maguindanao two years since the 23 November 2009 massacre which killed 58 people. This morning the police found and defused five bombs hidden on the sides of the road leading to the site of the slaughter. This only a few hours before celebrations to commemorate the victims. For security reasons many relatives of the slain did not attend the ceremony. Among them also Ishmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, governor of the province who lost his wife and other relatives in the massacre. Yesterday, the local Church celebrated a Mass at the tomb in 2010, where the gravestones have been erected with the names of the dead. Meanwhile, the country is divided over the corruption trial against former President Gloria Arroyo, who was arrested on 18 November. She is accused of having covered up the Amapatuan clan for years, instigators of the massacre and her former political ally. Many relatives of the victims, politicians and activists are demanding that the former president be charged with direct responsibility in the massacre.
AsiaNews sources underscore the confusion and the exaggerated media hype against the former president, but confirm her ties with the clan Ampatuan, who have supported her during the election 2007 campaign. "Despite the obvious liability in cases of corruption and mismanagement of the country – they say – it would be inappropriate to put her on trial for the massacre of Maguindanao, which would be exploited by politicians and journalists."
These days the Filipino newspapers have released several pictures of the arrest that show Arroyo suffering and in a wheelchair, taken away by police. The former president is under medical treatment for a serious bone disease and has been admitted to a hospital in Manila. Many have criticized the pictures considered offensive and against the dignity of the person. AsiaNews sources for "justice must be done without speculation. In recent months Aquino's government will have to confront much more serious questions than sentencing Arroyo. " Across the country the population is still a victim of poverty, crime and corruption. In the region of Mindanao, there is still violence and attacks by Islamic extremists, despite government efforts to revive the island's economy. (SC)
AsiaNews sources underscore the confusion and the exaggerated media hype against the former president, but confirm her ties with the clan Ampatuan, who have supported her during the election 2007 campaign. "Despite the obvious liability in cases of corruption and mismanagement of the country – they say – it would be inappropriate to put her on trial for the massacre of Maguindanao, which would be exploited by politicians and journalists."
These days the Filipino newspapers have released several pictures of the arrest that show Arroyo suffering and in a wheelchair, taken away by police. The former president is under medical treatment for a serious bone disease and has been admitted to a hospital in Manila. Many have criticized the pictures considered offensive and against the dignity of the person. AsiaNews sources for "justice must be done without speculation. In recent months Aquino's government will have to confront much more serious questions than sentencing Arroyo. " Across the country the population is still a victim of poverty, crime and corruption. In the region of Mindanao, there is still violence and attacks by Islamic extremists, despite government efforts to revive the island's economy. (SC)
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