PRESS RELEASE
November 24, 2009

TF211 strongly condemns this unprecedented and ruthless disregard of the law and human life - Blancaflor

Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, Chairman of the Task Force Against Extra-Judicial Killings and Political Violence (TF211) today announced that a special task force was formed to address the recent abduction and massacre incident in Maguindanao.

Blancaflor who is currently in Mindanao stated that a special task force composed of investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors was formed to address this matter and help in the consolidation of evidence in anticipation of the filing of charges against the perpetrators.

“We are closely coordinating with the local authorities here in Mindanao and currently pursuing all leads for the apprehension of the suspects”, Blancaflor added.

The wife and brother of Vice Mayor Ismael "Toto" Mangudadato of Buluan, Maguindanao and two of their lawyers, including several media practitioners were abducted by unidentified men while on their way to the Provincial Comelec Office for the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of Vice Mayor Toto Mangundadato’s brother Eden. He was believed to be eyeing the gubernatorial seat in the province of Maguindanao, Blancaflor explained.

Blancaflor added that the body of Eden Mangudadato, Vice Mayor of Mangudadato, Maguindanao was just exhumed together with seven (7) others. Previously, twenty-two other bodies were already exhumed and identified, fourteen (14) of those were that of media practitioners.

These media practitioners abducted were supposed to provide media coverage for the COC filing.

“Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity of being with some of the media practitioners who are now unfortunately victims of this horrendous crime. I personally know them and communicate with them on a regular basis. The last time that a similar massacre happened was during the last world war, it is very sad that an incident such as this can still happen in the 21st century”, Blancaflor said.

“The local Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Khu is taking charge of the retrieval of bodies. We are assuring everyone that the full force of the government will be utilized to ensure that the families of the victims will be given justice”, Blancaflor said.

Blancaflor added, “we are calling on anyone who may have knowledge of this incident to help us identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Do not be afraid in giving us any information, you will be assured of absolute confidentiality and protection”.

“We will pursue these criminals at all cost, no matter what their status is in society, until justice is delivered” Blancaflor said. ##