"MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE" SHOWS LAWLESSNESS, GOVT's INEPTITUDE IN ADDRESSING PEACE AND ORDER IN THE SOUTH - KIKO

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan condemned in the strongest possible terms the killing of a group of civilians and journalists who were ambushed and shot dead in Maguindanao on Monday.

"This brazen act shows that lawlessness has gripped that part of Mindanao. It seems that the trio of guns, goons, and gold is now once more terrorizing our people. And once again, our government seems to be powerless against stamping out these elements. We demand justice for the victims of this gruesome crime," said Pangilinan.

Reacting to reports that the mastermind of the killings is a political ally of the president, Pangilinan replied, "We challenge Malacañang to exercise the full force of the law in addressing this matter. Lawless elements cannot be condoned and allowed the freedom to commit more crimes. Regardless of who is behind this, the rule of law must prevail. Peace and order must be restored."

"What kind of a government is this if it fails to protect its own people?" Pangilinan questioned.