Philippine Democracy in Jeopardy: Warlordism in Mindanao threatens 2010 elections

You ask–why is it that this government allows just one political clan to dominate politics of one province? I am referring to the Ampatuans, who continues to lord it over Maguindanao province in Mindanao.

It is a known fact that the Ampatuans are close political allies of Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Datu Andal Ampatuan, the clan’s patriarch, is a certified warlord. He was once three-time mayor of Sharif Aguak town and serves as the provincial governor. His son, Zaldy, heads the ARMM and other sons lord it over the province as  town mayors.

Clearly, the Ampatuans already violated the law on political dynasty but no one, not even Mrs. Arroyo, has the gall to file a case against them. And why will Mrs. Arroyo and the military file cases against the Ampatuans? This family serves as counter-insurgents. Government allows the Ampatuans to maintain private armies and bear arms because these people are used to kill their fellow Muslims, particularly those who fight for an independent Bangsamoro Republic.

Warlords are effective counter-insurgency groups. Aside from counter-insurgency, warlords also serve as political kingpins. It is a known fact to everyone that those whom the Ampatuans favor as a political candidate wins in the province. And you know why? Because they use violence, intimidation and even kill their opponents with impunity.

It is also a known fact that every candidate who aspires for a national elective post, has to go and kowtow to Datu Andal Ampatuan. Ampatuan rules like a King in Maguindanao and the people tolerated him because he manages a private army.

Ampatuan and their ilk are serious symbols of Philippine politics. Like the Singsons in the North (who once burned an entire village who dared defy their rule), the Ampatuans are the Kingmakers of the South. They are political “untouchables” because high government officials, especially those elected to national positions, owe them political favors.

Warlord clans are proof positive of how feudal our political system still is. These clans survive and proliferate because they exercise transactional politics. They are democracy’s head lices, sucking blood from the people and being taken cared of by a corrupt government.

The recent massacre of 36 people in Maguindanao is a direct assault against democracy and an obvious challenge to the Republic. It is also a test of how determined this government is in upholding democratic and electoral processes. In a democracy, no one is above the law. Those who disobey the laws should be jailed or shot on sight.  

IN the next few days, it would be quite interesting how Mrs. Arroyo and her government would treat this massacre involving the Ampatuans. Will Mrs. Arroyo do a Marcos and order the arrest and detention of Datu Andal Ampatuan? Or will Mrs. Arroyo ask her publicists to just handle this?

This Maguindanao massacre is a direct affront to democracy.