The statement calls on the Government of the Philippines to investigate fully the murders and prosecute those responsible. It further appeals to the international community and to political leaders in the United States and Canada to hold the Government of the Philippines to account for this incident and for the safety of its people.
The statement notes that this crime occurred while an individual and his supporters were on their way to submit his name as a candidate for election in May, is the worst act of political violence in recent history in the country. Noting that the massacre also included numerous journalists and lawyers, the statement views the event as an assault on the foundations of democracy in the Philippines.
For justice in Maguindanao the statement calls on the Philippine government to do the following:
- "To create an independent, impartial international body to investigate the November 23, 2009 massacre and prosecute those responsible;
- To dismantle the private, political armies in Maguindanao and other provinces;
- To rescind immediately the Executive Order 546 created in July, 2006, which allows local politicians to convert and fund their private armies as legal entities or force multipliers in counter-insurgency program."
A reaffirmation of holding the victims in prayer and standing with partners in the Philippines as they minister to the people and speak for the rights and protection of civil society, closes the statement.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a long history of ministry with the people of the Philippines.
Photo: Presbyterians in San Francisco pray for partners and mission co-workers from the Philippines. Photo by Kristen Rudd.