Groups in Austria denounce Maguindanao massacre

by Hector Pascua, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau | 12/08/2009 1:22 PM


VIENNA, Austria - The Austrian Union of Catholic and Secular Journalists condemned the slaughter of unarmed civilians in Maguindanao last November 23.

In a press statement released by the Union, it expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Likewise, it urged Philippine authorities to hold all those responsible accountable for the crime.

Pinas First, a Philippine nationalistic group whose mission is to share the true spirit and values of Christianity, particularly the concerns for justice and peace among migrant Filipinos and their families, issued a statement of its utmost solidarity and deepest sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims of the mass murder in Maguindanao.

Filipino Journalists in Austria also condemned the massacre, pointing out that the massacre was the single-biggest murder of working journalists.

Volet Gerstl, editor and publisher of BikolExpress, a Filipino News-magazine in Vienna also expressed her outrage over the massacre.

“I commiserate with the families of my fellow workers in the media and other innocent individuals who were murdered in the line of duty,’’ Gerstl said.

Earlier, the Austrian People’s party member and currently the European Union's External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero Waldner strongly condemned the barbaric massacre in the south of the Philippines.

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the barbaric killing of innocent civilians, including women, journalists and lawyers, who were preparing to participate in the electoral process in the Philippines," Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.

At least 57 people were killed in the massacre last November 23. Among those killed were 30 journalists, lawyers, members of a political clan and their supporters.

On Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) submitted before the Department of Justice information on the rebellion charges that would be filed against 24 members of the Ampatuan clan, including its patriarch, Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.

Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., the alleged mastermind of the Maguindanao massacre, has been charged with 25 counts of murder and detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) main office in Manila.
as of 12/08/2009 1:22 PM