Note: The Cordillera Peoples Alliance would like to share the response of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to the letter of the United Church of Canada (UCC) and the Stop the Killings Network-Canada on the Ampatuan Massacre in  Maguindanao. As forwarded  by our friends and partners at UCC.

Mr. Bern Jagunos
Asia Coordinator
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
bjagunos@united-church.ca

Dear Mr. Jagunos:

Thank you for your correspondence of November 27, 2009, regarding the massacre in Maguindanao, the Philippines, of relatives and supporters of Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmail Mangudadatu, as well as numerous journalists, lawyers and others.

The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada's foreign policy. In all circumstances, Canada stands up for human rights and takes principled positions on important issues to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

In my statement of November 26, 2009, I condemned the brutal murders perpetrated in Maguindanao, and supported international calls for the rule of law to prevail and for those responsible for these acts to be brought to justice. I invite you to view my statement on the website of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2009/355.aspx?
lang=eng.

Canada's concerns have been communicated directly to the Government of the Philippines at senior levels, including to Cabinet Secretaries and senior officials. Canada has also communicated its concerns to the Philippines Commission on Human Rights, as well as to members of the media and others. The Canadian Embassy in Manila is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to impress upon Philippines authorities the need to have a just resolution of this tragic situation with all those responsible for this heinous crime being brought to justice. In doing so, it is very important that due process is followed and that all involved in the process are safe and free from interference.

Canada works closely with human rights activists, media associations and other civil society partners in the Philippines to impress upon government officials the importance Canada attaches to human rights and the need for the Philippines to address and resolve these issues.

While this recent event is a tragic reminder of the work that needs to be done in the Philippines, Canada is working to strengthen this political impetus and to provide the tools and skills required to improve the situation in that country.

Thank you again for bringing your concerns to my attention.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs