Political Terrorism: 43 feared dead in massacre in S. Philippines

Manila – The Philippine National Government leaders in Manila are calling the kidnapping of 55 people and confirmed killing of at least 43 as one of the worst acts of political violence in recent memory.

In a statement, released by the office of the Press Secretary for the Philippine President Arroyo, "No effort will be spared to bring justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable to the full limit of the law." adding further that, " Civilized society has no place for this kind of violence," speaking through her Mindanao Development Secretary Jesus Dureza, the President said, "As she assured that the rule of law will be restored "

Local News organization released the names of those identified in the killing most were listed as members of local media in Mindanao. Who according to reports were as much the targets of violence as were the wife of a local candidate who was trying to file her  husbands certificate of candidacy at local commission on election office.

She called her husband to tell him, the group had been blocked by at least 100 armed men, most identified with her spouses political rivals. She told him members of the group were being abused, made to eat the paperwork they intended to file. That media men and women were being attacked.

To lessen tension, Esmael Mangudadatu, a elected vice mayor, sent his wife and cousins to file his candidacy in  not with armed men which was the norm – but to avoid a clash his rival – and on advice of religious leaders choose to file his certificate of candidacy  by proxy. His alleged former benefactor and former Political Ally was from of the large Ampatuan clan of Maguindanao province.

What happened next, has shocked the entire Philippines and threatens peace on the entire island of Mindanao as fears of  tsunami of violence may inundate the province/

The List of names is still only partial and sourced from members of local chapter of the Philippines National Union of Journalists.

Source: Esmael Toto Mangudadatu candidate for Governor. in radio interview:
DEAD:
1. Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, wife of candidate:
2. Atty. Cynthia Oquendo
3. Mr Oquendo, tatay ni Atty Oquendo
4. Atty. Connie Brizuela
5. Bai Eden Mangudadatu, vice-mayor, Mangudadatu
6. Rowena Mangudadatu
7. Manguba Bai Mangudadatu, aunt ni Toto Mangudadatu
8. Farida Mangudadatu, youngest sister ni Toto M
9. Ian Toblan, media reporter
10. Leah Dalmacio, media reporter local paper
11. Gina dela Cruz, media reporter/writer print
12. Marites Cabutas, media reporter
13. Bart Maravilla, Bombo Radyo Koronadal City radio reporter
14. Joy Duhay, media reporter
15. Henry Araneta, DZRH Cotabato / largest philippine private network
16. Andy Teodoro, media / radio
17. Bong Reblando, Manila Bulletin print
18. Mac-Mac Areola, media / tv videojournalist
19. Jimmy Cabillo, media / radio
20. Rasul Daud, driver of Assemblyman Mangudadatu
21. Eugene Dojillo, driver for radio station
22. Neneng Montano, DXCP radio reporter
23. Wahida Ali Kaliman, coisin of candidates mother  ni Toto M
24. Farida Sabdula, 2nd cousin
25. Zorayda Vernan
26. Victor Nunez
27. Unto, driver
28. Zaida Abdul
29. Pinky Balayman, cousin
30. Ella Balayman, cousin
31. Rahima Piopo from Palawan
32. Farina Mangudadatu
33. Chito, driver
34. Abdula Hajji, driver
35. Patrick Pamansan, driver
36. Meriam Calicol

Eight others were not identified but reportedly among the bodies recovered. Local media reporters from Television and Newspapers are being blocked from entering the area and reporting is difficult as the region is under lockdown with government troops manning checkpoints along the highways leading to the areas where the killings took place.

President Arroyo has ordered all government military and police units the area with strict orders to capture " the lawless elements neutralize them."

Meanwhile, Authorities are fearing a spread of vendetta killings called ‘Rido’, a local traditional form of justice in the area that has been described in the past as the Philippines most peace order plagued provinces.

Threats here include along with armed groups and bandits, rebel groups who sometimes engage government forces in firefights.

Local franchises of the international terrorist group Al Qaeda, in particular the Abu Sayyaf, the pan – south east asian Jemaah Islamiah who use the region as practice and training grounds for terror bombings and attacks.

In the last few years the level of violence has been reduced, the sudden outbreak monday has raised fears that nearly a decade of efforts towards building a lasting peace may be destroyed in one political feud is raising alarm bells throughout the region.