Turning A Blind Eye
Why Were 34 Journalists Massacred in the Philippines?
Warlord Lola Ampatuan stands accused of masterminding the massacre of 34 journalists, killed for reporting on an election candidacy. Yet, once so close to the president that they were nicknamed her 'pet monsters', the Ampatuan family were heavily armed by the government - pay-off for securing Arroyo 99% of the votes at the last election. "We have to begin to look forward to a society where armed rebellion is no longer acceptable as a means of achieving political change," says defence secretary Norbero Gonzales. For now, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front hasn't taken advantage of the breakdown between the government and the Ampatuans. But like the army, the separatists are keeping their weapons loaded while peace talks proceed. "We still have our guns in our hands," says front leader Jafaar.
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