It was a terrible irony. As the world observed the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women yesterday, investigators continued to unearth the bodies of victims of the Maguindanao massacre—most of them women and journalists.
While the events continue to unfold and more shocking images come to light (here’s a link to a comprehensive compilation of coverage; be warned, there are lots of graphic and disturbing images), we asked readers, friends, and women we admire for their reactions to the tragedy. We also gathered views on the much-lambasted government inaction, and encouraged personal empowerment by asking what we can do as a protest against this brutality.
Shock and outrage
—kutingpie, from our forums
“Its really frustrating to hear about the heartless evil people like them do exist for real. I cant imagine how can they sleep at night with what they did. For all we know they have been doing such kind of killings for a really long time, and have just been able to get away with it. Whats even more frustrating is we keep on hearing about all this all day, everyday and everywhere, and yet no necessary action is being done. Details, facts are already out in the open, but still those people are still out there. Let us all pray that justice will be served asap, and such cruelty will never happen again.”
—_gigles_, from our forums
“Nabasa ko sa newspaper mas mura daw patayin ang kalaban kaysa labanan mo siya sa election. Hay. Grabe ano na nangyayari sa bansa natin. Mura pumatay ng tao?”
—twinkle belle, from our forums
Government inaction
“As long as Gloria needs to cover up the crime of stealling the presidency from FPJ, she will need to keep the Ampatuans happy. At all costs. But what are the congressmen and senators doing? How much did some of them pay the Ampatuans? Migs Zubiri, speak up.”
—Anna Leah Sarabia, founder of Kalikasan, from Facebook
“We all want swift justice and not swerved justice for the Maguindanao Massacre victims and their families. What an early rehearsal for Gibo.”
—Patty Betita, former model, personality development coach, from Facebook
“As for the government, declaring the National Day of Mourning is not enough, stop coddling the suspects, they are not above the law. It took the government days to take action and according to some reports, most of the armed group that committed this crime have run away towards the mountainous area of Maguindanao. Another thing, is that the best way they could do, by expeling the Ampatuans from your political party (Lakas-Kampi)? Yun lang? Have a heart, and bring justice to all the victims and their families.
—kutingpie, from our forums
“[The situation] is being handled very, very lightly! There are enough circumstantial pieces of evidence; why isn't anyone getting arrested? I was born in Mindanao, in a town near Maguindanao. It is public knowledge that the Ampatuans (and other prominent families) are warlords, and yet our very own president has been canoodling with them for a long time!
—teacherteacher, from our forums
Empowered to act
—kutingpie, from our forums
“If I have to join a rally to make sure the guilty parties suffer, I will! It's high time these people know that rubbing elbows with a corrupt/cheating president doesn't make them invincible.”
—teacherteacher, from our forums
“After more than 20 years believing that my vote counts, that displaying my opinion on my lapel/car/wall will encourage others to think like me, my boycotting products/people/companies will make a difference, my taking to the streets will change something, I have surrendered to apathy and now think that NOTHING I do will change a blasted thing in this country.”
—Jeannette Ifurung, video producer, from Facebook
What is your reaction, and what will you do to protest? Leave a comment below, or talk it up on our forums here and here. Read what Pinay celebs have to say about the issue.
