Women most vulnerable in mad scramble for power during elections- Maza

“The Maguindanao massacre, with at least thirteen (13) women murdered and one (1) reportedly raped, clearly shows that women are the most vulnerable in the mad scramble for power during elections”.

This is the statement of Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party today as she strongly condemned the brutal killing of of women, journalists and lawyers Cynthia Oquendo and Connie Brizuela who are both members of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) in Maguindanao.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this carnage in Maguindanao.We call for an independent investigation regardless of their connections in power,” Maza said.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner was quoted as saying that the 100 men who staged the abduction were allegedly led by Mayor Datu Unsay Ampatuan and one Police Senior Inspector Dicay of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Shariff Aguak.

“As an advocate for women’s rights, we call on women to be vigilant and support the call for justice,” Maza said.