Our Analysis

"The blood that flowed in Maguindanao stains the hands of the President who
ultimately commands the forces of political control and coercion in this
country. We demand that justice be done with all transparency and in
the quickest possible time." - Philippine Lasallian Family

The notorious mass murder was caused by politics-related conflict between the two opposing gubernatorial candidates. After the incident had happened, there were several speculations on what caused the murder and who were the ones that should be held responsible for the crime. According to a star witness, now in the protection of government custody, the Ampatuans are responsible for the prosecution, and implicated that not only Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. of Datu Unsay town was the prime suspect, but also eight other members of the powerful Ampatuan clan in the Nov. 23 massacre of 57 civilians in Maguindanao.

According to authorities, the witness was supposedly present during the meeting, and told that he heard orders directly from the Ampatuans and even took part in the murders. The testimony of the witness and several other witnesses who appeared made the evidence against the suspects stronger and clearer. At first, Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. said that it was the notoriuos group, MILF who was responsible for the mass murder. He said,"Napakadali para magbintang. Dapat may ebidensya. Wala akong kasalanan. Ang may kasalanan ay MILF Umbra Kato (It's so easy to accuse someone. There should be evidence. I'm innocent. The culprits are with MILF's Umbra Kato)", but after the testimonies of the witnesses, he finally admitted the crime and now is in the custody of the NBI.