Teodoro calls for expulsion of Ampatuans from administration party

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:36:00 11/25/2009

Filed Under: Crime, Politics, Elections


MANILA, Philippines--Taking a firm stance as new chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro has called for the expulsion of the Ampatuans from the administration party after the clan was linked to the massacre of at least 46 civilians in Maguindanao.

Teodoro, the party’s standard-bearer in the May 2010 election, said expulsion proceedings should begin against Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. of the powerful political clan.

“I have called on the party to take the decisive step to initiate expulsion proceedings against them for their failure to uphold party ideals and principles in their area of jurisdiction, especially relating to the peaceful, legal and democratic pursuit and exercise of political power,” said Teodoro in a statement.

The former defense secretary visited Maguindanao Wednesday, two days after the carnage, which left at least 48 dead, including members of the media.

Ampatuan Sr. is Lakas-Kampi-CMD provincial chairman, while Zaldy Ampatuan is the current regional chairman for the ARMM.

Teodoro condoled with the families of the victims and vowed to help them find justice.
Earlier, Teodoro urged authorities to arrest Andal Ampatuan Jr., who was reportedly in the scene of the massacre, and disarm all armed groups in the area to avert further violence.

He also urged the government to “discipline and arrest the public officials who should have acted but did not act".

"I urge the government to take strong actions to show as an example that crime pays," he said. "They should arrest the perpetrators whoever they maybe and disarm them and make sure adequate security presence in the area to avoid a repeat of the incident."

Teodoro said the entire country and the whole world is watching how the government would handle the volatile situation in the south, where clan wars are common for decades among political families.


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091125-238331/Teodoro-calls-for-expulsion-of-Ampatuans-from-administration-party