MASSACRES SHOULD NOT DEFINE 2010 ELECTIONS – VILLANUEVA

PRESS RELEASE
For Media Reference:
Andrea T. Echavez


MASSACRES SHOULD NOT DEFINE 2010 ELECTIONS – VILLANUEVA


“Monday’s carnage in Maguindanao is too shocking to describe in human terms.”

Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas Party said as he joined the Filipino nation in condemning the massacre of at least 36 people including members of local media, the worst-ever election violence in the country’s history.

In a press statement, the former human rights activist-turned-religious leader called the massacre as “a crime against humanity” that must be condemned by all decent, peace-loving humans everywhere.

“This is a symptom of the lawlessness that prevails in the country today. This must be stopped immediately by the authorities who are in charge. Massacres should not define the 2010 elections,” Villanueva said as he expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the brutal murders in Maguindanao yesterday.
“While elections next year could be the most contested in all parts of the country in recent history, all Filipinos should condemn all forms of violence that would define such contests,” he added.
Bangon Pilipinas called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately launch a serious investigation on the Maguindanao massacre.
While the Armed Forces of the Philippines has started its own investigation, the PNPshould also launch a parallel action, Bangon Pilipinas said in a statement.
“If the Maguindanao massacre will not be immediately given attention, it might set a ruthless and shameless precedent not only for the local elections but also for the national,” said Villanueva.
The PNP should ensure that election-related violence all over the country in the 2010 elections will be lower than in 2004, according to Bangon Pilpinas. “We do not want a repeat of the election-related violence officially recorded in the 2004 national elections: 189 deaths and 279 injuries.”
“Let us all work together so that the 2010 elections will not only be clean but also peaceful and orderly,” said Villanueva.