MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday said he had assured families of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre that they would get justice under his administration and that he was not in favor of postponing the election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In a text message to the Inquirer, Mr. Aquino also said that his administration was working to change the political landscape in the ARRM, which relatives of the victims believe remained under the influence of the Ampatuan clan, accused of perpetuating the massacre.
“The principal message is that justice regarding the Maguindanao massacre will be achieved by this administration,” President Aquino said. “We are changing the political realities in the ARMM.”
In an earlier report, Myrna Reblando, widow of massacre victim and Manila Bulletin reporter Bong Reblando, told the Inquirer of President Aquino's meeting in Malacañang with some relatives of the fatalities.
She said they informed Mr. Aquino of “persistent rumors” that the Court of Appeals was preparing to grant the petition of Zaldy Ampatuan, a former ARMM governor and now on trial in connection with the Maguindanao murders, that he be released from detention.
