Statement of President Aquino, First Anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre

Statement

of

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines

On the first anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre*

[November 23, 2010]

One year ago today, 57 people were brutally killed in Maguindanao in what is considered the worst election related violence in the country’s recent history.

Today the wheels of justice grind on. Fifty-seven cases are pending before the Regional Trial Court 221 of Quezon City. Forty-nine of the 196 accused in the case “People vs Andal Ampatuan Jr. et al” have been arraigned and 81 have been arrested. One alleged victim remains missing. His body was never found.

The resolution of these cases has become the litmus test of our justice system. It is one of the top priorities of the Justice Department. We will not rest until justice has been served.

Today we again offer our condolences to the families of the victims and vow to do everything in our power to achieve a timely resolution of this case and ensure that this does not happen again.

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* Delivered by Justice Secretary Leila M. de Lima on November 23, 2010 at the commemoration ceremonies held at Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao; and in the presence of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita “Ging” Deles and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu et al.