Families of killed, disappeared join Ampatuan massacre victims in crying for justice

By HUSTISYA
November 23, 2011

QUEZON CITY  –  Families of victims of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations joined the activities set today on the second year commemoration of the Ampatuan massacre, also declared as the International Day to End Impunity.

“We share with you the pains of the long wait for justice. We should not stop, however long this may take, until justice is served,” Hustisya secretary general Cristina Guevarra said.

Some of those who joined the march were victims of killings both under the Arroyo and Aquino governments, like Evangeline Hernandez, mother of slain human rights worker Benjaline Hernandez and Glenda Co, wife of slain botanist Leonard Co.

Also in the march are families of victims of enforced disappearances. Under the Arroyo government, there were 206 desaparecidos. Meanwhile, the 57 victims of the Ampatuan massacre belong to the 1, 206 victims of killings under Arroyo, in which none have been prosecuted to this day.

“They are all proof that such impunity continues to this day,” Guevara said.

File human rights cases vs GMA next

Victims group Hustisya again demanded the Aquino government to file charges on human rights violations against Cong. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo next, after the former president was charged with electoral sabotage last week.

“The Aquino government should now deal with the cases of human rights violations committed when Arroyo was commander-in-chief of the state forces. There are no Ampatuans if Arroyo did not coddle warlords and private armies,” Guevarra said.

According to the group, the government should not “sit on the fence” until Arroyo tries another attempt to elude trial.