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MANILA, Philippines?(UPDATE 3) United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon led an international outcry against the ?brutal? violence in southern Philippines, where more than 40 civilians were killed in relation to the upcoming local elections.
Ban condemned ?this heinous crime? and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice in a statement issued by his spokesperson and released by the UN Manila office.
The European Commission, the European Union?s executive arm, also condemned the killings in Maguindanao.
?I condemn in the strongest possible terms the barbaric killing on 23 November 2009 of innocent civilians, including women, journalists, and lawyers, who were preparing to participate in the electoral process in the Philippines,? said European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
?I call for calm in the period leading up to the forthcoming elections scheduled for May 2010. In the face of this atrocity, the rule of law and democracy has to prevail,? she said in a statement released by the EC Delegation to the Philippines.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie gave a similar statement.
"I condemn this brutal massacre of innocent civilians, including women, journalists and lawyers. I hope that the authorities in the Philippines will take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further escalation of violence in the run-up to next year's elections here," the ambassador said.
"Effective action will be crucial in maintaining confidence in the Philippines' commitment to protect human rights," Lillie said.
The United States, through its embassy here, also denounced the killings ?in the strongest possible terms.?
All four extended profound condolences to the families of the victims.
?The Secretary General extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and hopes that no effort will be spared to bring justice and to hold the perpetrators accountable,? the UN statement said.
The UN, the EU, and the British embassy have a number of programs on human rights in the Philippines.
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EC?s Ferrero-Waldner was optimistic that justice will prevail in this case. ?I note with satisfaction the declaration of the President of the Philippines, that all will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice,? she said.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao province, among other areas, following Monday?s killings, which have been described as the worst election-related violence in the nation?s history.
