Maguindanao execs urged not to forget massacre

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Local officials who took their oath of office Sunday were urged not to forget the 2009 Maguindanao massacre as a reminder that the democracy the province now enjoys was paid for dearly.

Elected provincial and municipal officials took their oaths at the public gymnasium of Buluan town as they prayed for unity and for Malacañang’s peace efforts with the Moro rebel groups to succeed.

The officials, led by re-elected Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and incoming Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat, were sworn in by Cotabato City Judge Bansawan Ibrahim.

Sinsuat assured the residents of continuous delivery of services and the immediate implementation of peace and security projects.

Mangudadatu said the massacre should also inspire residents to uphold their rights of suffrage and to prevent feudal Moro clans from rising again.

Mangudadatu’s wife, Genalyn, and several relatives were among the 58 people killed in the massacre.

The symbolic assumption of office of local officials from Maguindanao towns preceded the signing of a peace covenant by leaders of two feuding Moro clans from Datu Piang town.

Sheik Abbas Kudanding, a senior field official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Datu Putih Tukuran signed a peace pact ending their “rido” (clan war) sparked by political and territorial disputes.

A newly elected member of the provincial board, lawyer Bobby Katambak, said Mangudadatu started initiating, along with Datu Piang Mayor Datu Genuine Kamaong, the reconciliation of the two clans during the campaign period.