The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) has asked other church groups to provide sanctuary to people who need protection because of what they know about the Maguindanao massacre.

“We ask for churches and other faith groups to open their premises to serve as sanctuaries or safe space to all those who are helping in the process of uncovering the truth of this incident who may likely be under attack and may need protection,” said PCEC in a statement.

The largest network of evangelical denomination in the country said the mass killing last November 23 in Maguindanao is a condemnable act that deserves justice.

“We are one with the families of the victims and all people of peace who cry for immediate justice,” the PCEC said.

“We ask our government to use all its powers to apprehend all the perpetrators and apply the full force of the law to address this heinous crime,” it said.

PCEC also called for the creation of an independent body that will conduct a thorough and timely investigation on the incident that will recommend prosecutions and further actions required by law.

Latest update showed that elements of the PNP’s Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) have recovered 57 bodies, some from shallow graves in a remote area in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan town since Monday.

Among those killed were members of the Mangudadatu clan and more than a dozen of journalists.