The Administration of President Gloria Arroyo’s government is reeling from a outpouring of global tsunami condemnation against the violence that has shown its ugly head in Maguindanao province.

“Our reputation as a civilized people is now at stake.” is an apt description of what the general consensus the feeling is in the country going towards National Hero’s day. For nearly a decade human rights groups both local and international have expressed concern of the impunity some armed groups have had in several parts of the country.

In one day in grass back road in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province the human toll was stagering. But the violence did not stop yesterday. 72 hours after the killings – a UNICEF worker was shot and killed while waiting to ride a bus in the province. In a province where a state of emergency exists, where firearms permits were suspended where guns are supposed to only be now in the hands of the military and police and all permits revoked the killing goes on.

Press Secretary Serge Remunde’s statement goes on to say that, “The government, under the able leadership of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is determined to get to the bottom of this blot on our collective conscience. ” while appealing for calm and all parties to wait for courts and justice take effect and all the suspects caught. “To the families and supporters of the victims, we appeal for calm and restraint. Our law enforcement agencies are working overtime to solve the crime.”

Yet, not but a short distance from the killings took place another one happened – violence still is a way of life in Maguindanao. But, it is not only there in other parts of Mindanao where impunity exists. The killings go on and the violence continues.

Popularity: 7% [?]