Maza to Malacañang: Prioritize resolution of Maguindanao massacre over 2010 political maneuvers

Saying that the vulnerability of women to rape and other forms of violence should be investigated and properly acted upon, Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party today hit the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Arroyo administration for dawdling in resolving the Maguindanao killings.

Maza cited reports which showed that 5 out of 21 women murdered could have been raped and physically molested as manifested by the bruises or injuries on their genitals and as shown by presence of semen, lacerations and having their pants pulled down.

“It has been almost two weeks since the massacre of at least 57 people yet justice remains elusive for the victims and their families despite the public outrage and condemnation of the Filipino people and the international community. How would a President gunning for a Congressional seat with charter change as her top priority, DOJ Secretary Agnes Devenadera eyeing a seat in Congress and other Cabinet members also geared towards the elections, seriously address this case when they are busy drawing up their electoral plot?” said Maza.

Maza warned that this case should be immediately acted upon lest it will suffer the same fate like those of more than a thousand extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of political activists, lawyers, journalists and women.

Recently, Maza filed House Resolution 1517 directing the Committee on Human Rights and Committee on Women to conduct an investigation on the Maguindanao massacre that murdered at least twenty-one (21) women among the fifty-seven (57) persons found dead.

She also stressed the role of the State as the primary duty bearer in ensuring protection of women against all forms of discrimination and violence as mandated in Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of