Second Entry: Of Impunity and the Internet

There are no words to describe how appalled I am of the Ampatuan massacre. As of the moment, the death toll is up to 57 persons. These helpless and defenseless victims were merely on their way to file the COC of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, who is up against the powerful Ampatuan clan in pursuing the position of governor of Maguindanao. The victims were shot point-black. Women were raped and killed; one was even pregnant at that time. Several members of the media were not spared. Some of the bodies were mercilessly mutilated. The perpetrators, in an attempt to conceal this dastardly deed, buried some of the bodies in a mass grave, along with the vehicles involved in the convoy.

So what has this got to do with ICT, you ask? A lot.

First, I sincerely believe that this could have been avoided if the government exercised a little bit of foresight and ingenuity. The political environment down south is volatile. That is of public knowledge. If that be the case, then the government should have been creative enough to take advantage of technology in coming up with ways to ensure the safety of the candidates or measures to at least mitigate political harassment during election period. For instance, why not allow filing of certificate of candidacy by facsimile or email? If the government allows online passport applications or even the electronic filing and service of pleadings involving intracorporate controversies, why not extend the same privilege to the filing of certificate of candidacies?

Second and probably the most important concerns the flow of information. According to Ted Failon in TV Patrol, as early as Monday (the day when the massacre happened), Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo have been receiving tips via e-mail and text messages that a kidnapping incident occurred in Maguindanao, as well as some hints on the probable participation of the Ampatuans. Esmael Mangudadatu’s wife was able to make a phone call and send a text message that the convoy was blocked by men of the Ampatuans. Because of the anonymity and security it provides, the internet has been an effective tool for critiques, concerned citizens and protesters to voice out their condemnation of the act. Perhaps, soon eyewitnesses can utilize the wonders of this technology. In fact, a witness already surfaced and narrated on the supposed orders of Ampatuan Jr to exterminate the Mangudadatu clan. The article which was originally posted in the Al-Jazeera news website is now circulating in the web.

And despite this continuous flow of information to serve as probable cause for an arrest, it remains a mystery why it took so long for the government to act on this matter. And mind you, the suspected perpetrator surrendered to the government. It is not as if the government actively pursued the suspect. All the resources and information are already made available by the internet and tri-media. If only the government has the political will to go against a long-time ally. It is actually ICT and not the government that oils the wheels of justice.

Of course, there are other compelling issues such as warlordism, political dynasties, private armies, and the like. But these topics are better written in another blog.

:)

(Sources: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091126-238426/Maguindanao-massacre-death-toll-climbs-to-57; http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20091125-238328/Last-phone-call-of-Mangudadatus-wife-crucial-in-prosecution; http://www.inquirer.net/; image from:http://english.people.com.cn/mediafile/200911/26/P200911260952002481297913.jpg)