AS A HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, WE join other groups in expressing outrage at the merciless killing of innocent civilians and media practitioners in Maguindanao. The national government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police must seriously go after the suspects and dismantle the armed groups (disguised as civilian volunteer organizations) of the Ampatuan family and other warlords.

Maguindanao is a prime example of a province where bad governance, lack of freedom, disregard of the right to vote of the people and suppression of civil and political rights have resulted in widespread poverty and hunger. Poverty as of 2006, according to an article titled ?Amid the fighting, clan rules in Maguindanao? written by Jaileen Jimeno, affects 62 percent of the population; only 39 percent reach Grade 6 and the life expectancy is the second lowest in the country.

Good governance and an adequate standard of living cannot be expected in Maguindanao as long as the people?s civil and political rights are not respected and upheld. The people?s economic, social and cultural rights can only be realized if they are a part of the decision-making process in Maguindanao.

?RAFFY REY HIPOLITO,

program/advocacy officer,

Foodfirst Information & Action Network,

fianphils_2005@yahoo.com