The massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, is not just “an incident between two families in Mindanao” as reportedly stated by Lorelei Fajardo, the deputy spokesperson of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. To many Filipinos it is a national tragedy. United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney considers that “such barbaric acts violate the most fundamental principles of human rights and democracy." The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon condemned the “heinous crime” and hoped that ..."no effort will be spared to bring justice and to hold the perpetrators accountable."

Neither is it correct to state, as Ms. Fajardo is quoted, that "we cannot be affected by that...” Malacañang is definitely in the picture. It cannot distance itself from this “murder most foul” for it can be argued that Malacañang planted the seeds that emboldened those responsible for this massacre. One can cite all the cases of salvaging and disappearances of non-governmental organization workers, journalists and alleged leftists which up to today remain unsolved, if not unattended. Even the deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, Elaine Pearson, is quoted in the papers as saying, “Far too many people have been gunned down in the Philippines while President Arroyo has sat on her hands.” On the other hand, one recalls how with pride, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo singled out for recognition in one State of the Nation Address, an accused violator of human rights. The Ampatuan Massacre mastermind must have thought that in the coming last SONA, he may also be accorded the same recognition.

The initial reactions from Malacañang also raised doubts that the justice sought not just by the Mangudadatu family and the families of the other victims – lawyers, journalists, motorists passing through – but also by many Filipinos, will be attained. Rather than send the head of the Philippine National Police to arrest the suspects (on the basis of the cell phone call of one of the victims), the Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs visited Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Mayor Andal Jr. of Datu Unsay, and Maguindanao Governor Andal Sr. in the Ampatuan residence in Shariff Aguak to inform them about the creation of a crisis management committee and about the investigation. There is reason for Sen. Rodolfo Biazon to observe that the Palace was “still handling the massacre with kid gloves." Many Filipinos recall how broadcaster Ted Failon was swiftly brought (invited?) to police headquarters and not even afforded the time to grieve for his beloved wife. One can understand if the public will think that the difference in the treatment is because the Ampatuans are close political allies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with their bailiwick delivering the crucial votes in her 2004 re-election bid while Failon was critical of the Arroyo administration. The perception of “special treatment” is reinforced by Secretary Raul Gonzalez, chief presidential legal counsel, saying, ..."These are not ordinary people,” as well as Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita’s statement, “We don’t want people to be unnecessarily tried through publicity.”

Secretary Gonzalez further stated, ..."But you can’t convict somebody with one circumstantial evidence.” He does not realize that the public is not asking for immediate conviction but the immediate start of the investigation which should include the questioning of the suspects. We are again reminded of the many results of congressional investigations on the alleged graft and corruption cases involving the president and members of her family that has not been acted upon by the Ombudsman.

Secretary Ermita admitted, “We don’t have full control of the situation on the ground, mortals as we are...” If it is the case that this administration cannot protect its citizens’ lives, then it should considering closing shop and not wait for June 30, 2010.

Business Bits. We commend Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, President Napoleon Nazareno, and Smart Communications, Inc. for SMART’s “Kabalikat as Edukasyon” being cited by the Asian CSR Awards 2009 as the best corporate social responsibility program in the Support & Improvement of Education category.