FN asks these celebs how they feel about the Maguindanao massacre and what steps they will take to protest.


“Blind anger is the best way to describe my emotions when I first heard about the massacre. This deserves our every attention as the act itself is the absolutely most heinous crime ever committed. The women were all raped prior to their being killed, which elevates my own rage.
“The best way to fight against this sort of injustice is to get out and vote. Indifference no longer has a place in our beloved country. When these people were killed, the entire nation suffered too. We have to rise up as a people so that this never ever happens again.
“This forms a huge stain on a country already plagued by bad news. We cannot take it anymore! Praying will not be enough, we need action.”
—Lea Salonga


“Outrage is the only word that comes to mind. Apart from voting (which I have always done) I am looking for other ways to express my solidarity for these victims, (especially the women who were raped before killed) whether it's to come out in forums, discussions, etc.
“In nation building, it's crucial to be able to really focus on the root problems of violence, corruption, and political greed.
“In my own humble way, whenever the opportunity arises in my daily life, "planting the seeds" of respect for women, focusing on the big picture / greater good, and serving others is always a good place to start from. It may seem small, but all these actions are inter-connected and affect us all as a nation and as women.”
—Pinky Amador


“This week's massacre is a graphic reminder of how unstable the country's governance can be and its total failure to bring about law and order. I have lost my faith [a] long time ago in our government and its form of justice if there is even any. It's frustrating and this incident makes it even more infuriating.
“What saddens me, is that I doubt if any real justice will prevail on this one either as both southern clans have been supporters of the administration which of course, we can somehow expect what could come out of all this; or none.
“There is not enough punishment hard enough for the culprit to pay for such a heinous crime...”
—Cherie Gil


“How anyone can actually think they could get away with such an atrocious crime is beyond my comprehension. It is a crime that includes other felonies such as violation of basic human rights, abuse and discrimination towards women, murder and suppression of freedom of speech. But in the heart of it all, in my opinion, is plain and simple greed. It is this greed that makes people believe that they are above the law. Lawlessness is rife in this country, and sadly, it starts from the top.
“My heart goes out to the Mangudadatus (whom I have met last week) and their supporters, but most especially, to the journalists and the innocent people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. For my part, I will not be apathetic to issues that concern human rights and will continue to speak my mind. This is an issue that will definitely be in my thoughts when I write the name of my next president.”
—Agot Isidro-Sandejas


“I am both saddened and angered by the news of the Maguindanao massacre. Although people with greed for power may seem to have succeeded with their plans for a short while, they will never prosper in the long run because their evil deeds catch up with them. Those who desire for public office must strive to be of service for the common good. Meanwhile, this is the government's chance to prove that there remains integrity in the justice system. This is something for God to do and those in authority to stand behind. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of this heinous crime. I will pray for their comfort and have faith that justice will be served. I’m wearing something black today.”
—Miriam Quiambao


“Hindi ko maisip kung paano sila pinalaki ng magulang nila at kung paano sila pinalaki ng inang Pilipinas para makagawa ng isang karumaldumal na kasalanan sa kapwa tao.
“It will be my first time to vote in the coming elections. I never voted in the past because I always believed that my vote would go to waste anyway, that whoever wins did not win because he or she was trusted by the people and was rightfully put in that position by the majority, but only because he or she is the wealthiest, greed[iest], most unfeeling monster that everybody around wants to suck up to for their own personal gain. But this time I will vote. I will vote for the reason that paying my taxes alone is not enough to give me the right to complain. I will vote so I can confidently point my finger at the person I put responsible for my people, the moment he or she breaks his or her promise for personal profit. I will vote so I can claim what is true to my children. This is what I plan to do in protest to the inhumane acts the people in power ‘think’ they can get away with. I cannot go to the streets and march, nothing ever comes out of that, EDSA is so over, the true spirit long gone. The only thing I can do is to vote wisely.”
—Mylene Dizon


“At a time when women around the world are defining themselves as indispensable members of society, breaking glass ceilings, forging their own futures, Filipino women are trying to the very same things. However, we have a long way to go when acts of barbarism dealt with impunity are allowed to go unpunished. My heart aches for my fellow Filipinas that were savagely murdered with impunity in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. These proud women were far from the first ever treated this way, so many sad stories abound from so many places in our country. Let us light candles for them, pray for them and their families, cry for justice.”
—Leah Navarro


“The Ampatuan massacre horribly perpetrated violence against women and played out the culture of machismo, which underlies the patriarchy in our society which we struggle against to be free. We have carried out anti-warlordism actions such as a candlelighting, and will support the House investigation into the massacre and actions to hold the perpetrators accountable.”
—Risa Hontiveros


“I condemn the act of absolute barbarism that has occurred and am deeply saddened that this incident will deepen the already-distorted perceptions that people have on our Muslim countrymen. Certainly I would enjoin the public in pressuring authorities to act swiftly on bringing justice to the families of the victims. But in addition, I will be active in reminding the outraged that this act of violence is not endemic in Muslim culture.”
—Joanne Zapanta-Andrada


“I am extremely saddened by the current events taking place in our home country, particularly the Ampatuan massacre. It makes me skeptical to think that good governance can actually exist in the Philippines. Mafias operate in every level of society. However, when the Ampatuans, who are the lead suspects of this massacre are directly affiliated with the President of the country, it depicts a tainted government all the way to the highest possible position.
Despite the unending corruption that continues to escalate in the Philippines, I much rather focus on the Filipino's merits and achievements, particularly Efren Penaflorida's victory as this year’s CNN hero.
“I am extremely active at the UCLA campus in disseminating information to the second generation Filipinos about our motherland. I am constantly spreading the word about our kababayaans that are achieving recognition in all fields and I will continue to try to inspire the youth on such stories rather than dwell on the corrupt system that continues to infiltrate our local governments.”
—Giselle Tongi-Walters

We first compiled our readers’ and friends’ thoughts here. What is your reaction, and what will you do to protest? Leave a comment below or talk it up with other GIRLTalkers on our forum!