Those shouting the loudest against the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao need to be heard because they’re far away from the scene of the crime; they’re all in Manila.

“We’re so focused on the massacre,” said Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, that we do not see the whole picture – not the courts that have been shut down because judges and prosecutors have gone on leave, not the municipal halls and government offices that are all locked up, not the private army or armies staying out of sight, armed to the teeth and itching to fire the first shot.

Speaking of the Justice secretary, who seems to be the administration’s point man, where is the newly appointed Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, who also happens to be the expert in national security? The first person who acted swiftly, decisively to let the people know that government had not been paralyzed into a state of analysis, and assessment was not its secretary of defense but its former DND secretary.

Fresh from his struggles with the natural calamity occasioned by a trio of typhoons, Gilberto Teodoro waded into the black hole of the biggest man-made disaster – thank goodness he did not mouth platitudes such as “rule of law” and “due process” for the killers – and showed a scandalized nation that there was one person who knew what to do, immediately.

Where’s Secretary Gonzales? Rehearsing a new style of crisis management?

Running the show behind the scenes? Negotiating terms of surrender with the accused? By maintaining his MIA status – missing in action – is he telling us everything is under control? If so, why martial law?

According to a former minister of national defense, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the Constitution makes it utterly hard to declare and implement martial law. One hopes the legalese will not obfuscate the cold hard facts for why martial law is necessary for the peace of mind of the good people of Maguindanao. Senator Miriam Santiago hit the nail on the head when she said the massacre of 60 was an act of terrorism.