Flags at halfmast as RP mourns for massacre victims

Philippine flags were lowered at half-mast as the nation observed Thursday a day of mourning ordered by President Gloria Arroyo for victims of the gruesome massacre in Maguindanao province last Monday. In Manila, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported the giant flag at the Rizal Park was lowered to half-mast, even as journalists wore black to condemn the death of colleagues in the massacre. At least 59 people were reported killed in the incident where armed men blocked the path of a convoy led by the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu. Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa announced early Thursday that they had rounded up some suspects in the case, including some civilian volunteers. Verzosa also said Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. had sent surrender feelers and may be accompanied by presidential adviser for Mindanao Jesus Verzosa in turning himself in to authorities. On Wednesday, President Arroyo declared Thursday a national day of mourning for the victims of the crime, which she said is “too outrageous." “I am declaring a national day of mourning in honor of the victims. This crime is too outrageous not to prick the conscience of this nation, or any other nation for that matter. Let us hope that the outrage is overcome by reason and by our need to live our lives in peace, honor and human dignity," she said. The dzBB report also said journalists were to wear black shirts and sport black ribbons or armbands to protest the death of journalists in Monday's massacre. Earlier, members of the Kapisanang ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Metro Manila chapter held brief simultaneous broadcast to read their statement on the massacre. KBP Metro Manila chapter president Reynante Langit, an anchor of dwIZ radio, read the chapter’s statement during a simultaneous broadcast on dzXL radio, during a program anchored by chapter director Eleazar Saludar. In Bicol, dzRH radio reported KBP members in Camarines Sur province will hold a simultaneous broadcast to condemn the massacre. - LG, GMANews.TV