In a parallel post in Barrio Siete, I’ve pointed out how the travel advisory by two influential countries in the world has dire implications for Philippine tourism and investments. It’s a pity that a region which boasts of the richest, most unspoiled tourism spots in the country suffers from negative first impressions, simply because there exists in some areas a rash of kidnappings, terrorism threats and civil war for decades. And most recently, there is of course the shock brought about by the utter violence of the Maguindanao massacre.

As of November 24, 2009, the US Embassy Manila – through its embassy warden system – updated its old travel warning to Mindanao to include the Maguindanao incident:

” Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Recent violence in Maguindanao resulted in the Government of the Philippines declaring a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and the city of Cotabato. The state of emergency includes road checkpoints conducted by the Philippine military and law enforcement. If U.S. citizens travel to Maguindanao despite this Travel Alert, they should understand there are heightened tensions and there will be a significant military presence. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of officials with regards to limitations on movement.”

I actually find reading the travel advisory very informative. Here, I learn that “some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security.”

Funny, but even if I am a Filipino, I get jitters about travelling to the region – even if it’s a simple thing as riding the plane to Davao. Even if I’d be rich enough to hire security, it has to be security I trust. This is all unfortunate since there are some beautiful areas in Mindanao I’d really love to see, like Lake Sebu and Tawi-tawi.

There are only 30 countries in the world where the US State Department has placed CCurrent Travel Warnings. A country in the list is deemed “dangerous and unstable” for the long term. Unfortunately, the Philippines is the only country in Asia to make it to the list, and it’s put in the same league as Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Yemen, and Sudan, among others.

Tsk, tsk. See the reasons why.

I am of course referring to the Nazi-style execution of a group of journalists, lawyers and family members who were supposed to file a certificate of candidacy in behalf of aspiring Maguindanao governor Datu Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu. The suspects are the rival Ampatuan clan who is presently lording it over Maguindanao politics. With the incident, I don’t know whether they will still lord it for long. It was sheer stupidity on their part to do something as brazen, when they know the whole world is watching. They’ve also caused extreme embarrassment to the Arroyo government. Even when their political dalliance with President Arroyo is strong, the public and even international groups as high as the United Nations will hold everyone accountable for what happened.

Even worse is the incident’s implications to the idea of a free press in the country. One of the fatalities was Mindanao reporter Bong Reblando of Manila Bulletin, the newspaper I write for. I’ve met Bong once or twice when I still worked for the newspaper full time. It was kinda surreal conjuring images of someone you met before and then equating it with violence. Media is a small world after all, and the other journalists who talked or dealt with the victims on a regular basis were simply stunned. It appeared that the journalists who went with the convoy were invited precisely because it was thought that they would deter any violent plan from Mangudadatu’s political rival. Turns out even the “Media/Press” badge wasn’t enough to spare them from the tragedy.

It is indeed tragic that something like this happens six months before the Arroyo administration winds up its term of office. After the jubilation of Manny Pacquiao and Efren Penaflorida’s win, the Philippines has been put on the world map for something horrendous, so much so that even the UN has to issue a statement about it.

As for the Ampatuans, what glory is there if you wield all the armies, firearms and power in the world and yet suffer the ignominy of being written in history books for having masterminded the Maguindanao massacre?

The government has no recourse but to bring all perpetrators and accomplices to court, and swiftly deliver justice.

This humble space joins humanitarian and media groups in condemning the Maguindanao tragedy and praying for justice for all the victims and their families. Never again!