Of what use are guns buried underground?
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
December 7, 2009 9:08pm CST
GMA had declared Martial Law in the poor province of Maguindanao, south of the Philippine Islands. Her presidency had deemed the military rule necessary to foil a rebellion that supposedly brewed after the gross massacre of 57 people, including media men who wanted to witness and record a group of people file their certificates of candidacy and thereby challenge the powerful incumbent. The 57 were killed in cold blood and were thrashed in a grave with their utility vehicles. The remains were unearthed with the use of a backhoe. The people pointed to the Ampatuan clan responsible for the mass murder. They hold the mayoralty, the governorship, and whatever position there was to make a power play covered from all angles. And the display of mansions gracing plains and hills speak for power that would make anyone cower. Yet, they buried the guns that would enable them to resist and fight the armed forces of the Philippines. Where is the rebellion in that? The Ampatuan men must be made responsible for the murder. Rebellion is another story.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@rsa101 (40952)
• Philippines
9 Dec 09
Well I have one theory on why they buried the arms underground. Maybe it is because it is the last place to looks for it but they were wrong the military got the intelligence report so they got ahead and got caught. They were anticipating that military would raid their houses known as part of them so they have nowhere to hide their arms cache but underground were they were not expecting that military is really monitoring them. They will resist once the military started arresting the elder Ampatuans but unfortunately the arms cache was discovered first before they are arrested so the arm movement was foiled in the process.
Although I agree with you that we did not see any armed resistance at all and there was not even a single shot that I heard from the news that transpired. I am seeing an overkill on the declaration of martial law. We could already see that the military can still function without any resistance from the Ampatuans. I am seeing that this might weaken the case after 60 days if the lawyers of the Ampatuans would contest the warrantless arrest made during this 60 day Martial Law which could technically free them.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40952)
• Philippines
11 Dec 09
Although I stand corrected as there is a report that the convoy of cars that carries some more evidences to Gen. Santos City were ambushed on their way to the General Santos City. That was the only arm conflict I ever heard from the province which is related to the Massacre case.
I also heard that putting them arrested for rebellion charges would even lessen the degree of the case because the murder would be included already in the rebellion charges which gives them a much lighter penalty if found guilty than if they were charged with Murder. I think the Administration is finding ways to lighten the case to rebellion which is a much lighter penalties on the ground that it was a political crime and not a criminal crime anymore.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Dec 09
Yes, it is December but it feels like a midsummer night's dream. I wish I could write a good ending to all the hullabaloo going one but the current situation defies every writer's imaginative storyline. Now we have to wait for Monday for a most pressing decision... to revoke or not. Gosh! When ML gets lifted today, what happens? Will the exercise continue to determine the soundness of the proclamation?
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
10 Dec 09
The armed forces are capable of restoring normalcy without Martial Law. The legislative body had been racking their brains for sanity. Let us see if they could rise to make this event worth jotting down in history.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
8 Dec 09
Oh! God. This is terrible. Though its ages since I read much about Phillipines, (Aquino assasination, and then I think Corizon Aquino coming to power - and Imelda Marcos being tried for the number of footwear she used to keep). I always thought your country was far more peaceful than ours. :( You've prompted me to read through some information. I agree though that the two issues should be treated in isolation. By the way, I do not maintain more than 3 pairs of footwear anytime, a kind of psychological fear about becoming like that lady. :)
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
10 Dec 09
The Philippines is truly a peaceful and beautiful country. The Filipinos are very kind, friendly, and hospitable, except for a two handfuls of greedy, power hungry few. A Filipino teacher currently bagged the CNN Hero of the Year award. But his glory was overshadowed by a political family who played gods in the south. They killed people by peppering their bodies with bullets from heavy artillery. A sad story for any brown blood really.
@junmae (1586)
• Philippines
11 Dec 09
Yes you are right, I also couldn't think why Gloria declare Martial law because of rebellion because i believe that no rebellion happens during massacre. The murder and rebellion are different stories. I think that Gloria is just looking for a way to conquer the country because obviously she doesn't want to let go of her position right now. I am not surprised if one day she will declare martial law in the country.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Dec 09
Martial Law is an extreme measure. Although the armed forces follow the chain of command, I do not think the generals are foolish to carry on a command detrimental to the nation. The soldiers were sworn to protect the citizens and they know that. The misguided military and police in Maguindanao had recently learned their lesson. They must serve the people, not just one power hungry illegitimately posted incumbent. I had seen how the Filipinos had risen to the occasion when their physical presence was needed most. I believe in the Filipino. They will bind again, when duty calls.
