Maguindanao now safe  to journalists – governor

COTABATO CITY – Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said that the province is now a safe place for journalist to cover.

Mangudadatu made this statement when asked by media practitioners if it is safe for them to fly to the province and cover the first anniversary of the infamous massacre which claimed the lives of more than 57 individuals, 30 of them reporters.

“It is now safe there. The ones operating the backhoe are all behind bars, You (journalists) can gather news there without fear,” he added.

The Maguindanao governor was referring to members of the Ampatuan clan who are all behind bars for allegedly orchestrating the country’s most brutal pre-election crime incident last year.

Mangudadatu lost his wife, sister, and dozens of supporters during the attack perpetuated by the Ampatuan controlled militiamen.

The killings stemmed from Mangudadatu’s decision to run as the island’s governor, putting him at odds with the influential rival clan.