The tragic event that jolted the country has left a negative mark on our image as a nation and as a people. We watched with horror the escalation of violence through the live mass media coverage that could be both credited and be reprimanded for its role in the ensuing drama. We saw with disbelief the appalling disregard for the sanctity of life; we were equally appalled by the incompetence and ineptness of the police force. 

The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines condoles with the families of the victims and joins in their clamor for a fast and credible investigation. We empathize with those who were traumatized by the said event, and we condemn in the strongest terms the violent deaths that ensued from it. We are confronted with the painful reality that in our country, ruthless violence had thrived again. We recognize the fact that though foreigners were the ones killed, the real losers of the chilling event are the Filipino people who are still reeling from the traumas of recent violent experiences, and who will bear the stigma brought about by the sad event. 

Truly, the hostage drama is a wakeup call for Filipinos to be more vigilant and to show real concern for the well being of others. It calls us all to show to the world that we abhor violence not only for the sake of ensuring continued arrival of tourists, but to prove to the world that we are a God-fearing and peace[1]loving people. While we mourn with the families of those whose lives were lost, we assure them that we demand that justice be served on their loved ones. We call on the concerned agencies of our government to hasten the investigation and to ensure that proper sanctions be given to those who have been remissed with their duties. We call on the media practitioners to be more sensitive and responsible in reporting events and that they practice discretion and prudence in the exercise of their profession. 

We call on our government to ensure that human life and dignity be respected at all times. 

Sr. Mary John M. Mananzan, OSB Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, Jr., OP 

AMRSP Co-Chairperson