Dear Freedom To Write Committee,

Today, in the Maguindanao province (Philippines), gunmen killed at least 21 people, a dozen journalists reported among them, in what is being called called the most "gruesome massacre of civilians" in recent history (CNN).

"The massacre took place a few hours after around 50 gunmen led by Andal Ampatuan Jr., the mayor of Shariff Aguak (a municipality in Maguindanao province), and a police inspector identified solely by the name of Dicay kidnapped members of a large convoy of supporters of Esmael Mangudadatu, an Ampatuan clan opponent who wants to run for governor." 

"The convoy of Mangudadatu supporters, accompanied by journalists, had been on its way to an electoral bureau to file documents related to his candidacy, which the gunmen wanted to prevent. The fatalities included Mangudadatu’s wife, sister and other relatives. The governor’s son is also alleged to have been involved in the massacre" (RWB).

PEN USA is currently waiting for International PEN's WIPC Committee to issue instructions detailing how Freedom To Write Committees should proceed in speaking out against this horrible tragedy. 

In the meantime, please follow the links below to find out more information on this case.

CNN: "21 abducted, killed in 'gruesome massacre' in Philippines"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/philippines.hostages/index.html

Reporters Without Borders: "Twelve journalists killed on Mindanao island in "dark day for press freedom"
http://www.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=35061

In Peace,

Michelle Meyering

_________________________
Michelle Meyering
Program Manager
Freedom To Write, PEN In The Classroom
PEN USA
PO Box 6037
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
michelle@penusa.org
Phone: 1.424.258.1180 ext 203
FAX: 1.424.258.1184