Noynoy files resolution for the immediate investigation
of the Maguindanao massacre

"Today, I filed a resolution with the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, condemning the gruesome and brutal murders of Vice Mayor Bae Eden Mangudadatu, Genalyn Mangudadatu, and the countless innocents and members of the media who were slaughtered like animals by unknown armed men on November 23, 2009, while on their way to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao."

"I commiserate with Toto Mangudadatu and his family, and to all the relatives of the victims whose lives were taken away by an act guided by neither ideology nor humanity."

"I call on the Senate to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the cruel and inhuman election-related massacre and carnage of innocent civilians in Maguindanao Province; the Senate must also direct its appropriate committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into this unparalleled and gruesome incident, with the end in view of proposing legislative measures that would effectively promote lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao."

"My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones in this massacre; I plead with them to remain steadfast in their faith. These cold-blooded murderers will be brought to justice."

"There must be an immediate disarmament of all unlawfully armed groups in Maguindanao. Witnesses must be provided a secure environment so they can help us bring the perpetrators to justice without fearing for their lives."

"This is my plea to all peace-loving Filipinos: It is not enough to condemn these killings; we must work together to bring an end to the violence that is maiming the process of peace, democracy, and progress in Mindanao and all throughout the country. The cycle of electoral violence can only be broken by justice and the fulfilled promise of security and equal opportunity for all."