Maguindanao Massacre Editorial

Maguindanao Massacre: All Because of Greed?

by Celine Mesina

It is not unusual to the Filipinos that killings happen before and after elections. Such events prove the sad reality of Philippine elections.

I believe the Maguindanao massacre did happen because of greed. Clans in Mindanao have been ruling the same provinces the previous years and it would be hard to replace a member of so every election period because power, in my thoughts, has always been a need for them. With another candidate taking the risk in competing with the present rulers, clan feuds are more likely to happen and someone’s political aspiration cannot be delayed that is why killings occur to guarantee it. These events show how greed can take over ones life. It can make a person overlook everything except money and power. The desire for money and power takes over man’s values that he can no longer see what is right and what is wrong. Assassinations are never an exception to what greed can carry out.

It is said that wanton killings usually happen in that part of the country but I believe that these should no longer be endured just because they have always been this way in that province. With the recent events that happened, the authorities must take action before more and worse violent proceedings occur. Some time in the future, justice would be given to those who have been killed ruthlessly but my concern now is that the youth might see greed and violence as examples that could support their future ambitions. With the fact that clan disputes and murders for money and power are a part of the political culture, they might see these as standard ideas. Greed can happen from the smallest acts that children do and so can develop into more grave actions. If the Filipino people, starting from the leaders of the country, do not work to seek justice among such situations, greed would still prevail during elections and much more violence might occur.

*pakiedit na lang. thanks.