HCON 218 RFS 
next year’s gubernatorial elections to succeed Andal 
Ampatuan, Sr., the father of Andal Ampatuan, Jr.; 
Whereas many of those killed were women and children, in-
cluding the wife of Vice Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu and 
his two sisters; 
Whereas most of the women were reportedly raped and their 
bodies were mutilated after being shot; 
Whereas as of December 2, 2009, initial charges have been 
filed in connection with the massacre, according to press 
reports; 
Whereas the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists reports 
that at least 30 journalists and media workers were killed 
in the Maguindanao massacre; 
Whereas, the Committee to Protect Journalists reports that 
prior to the Maguindanao massacre, 30 journalists had 
been killed in the Philippines since 2000, and suspects 
were prosecuted in no more than 4 cases, putting into 
question the safety of journalists and the integrity of 
independent journalism in the Philippines; 
Whereas government prosecutors and judges with jurisdiction 
over the massacre have allegedly received threats and 
have been told to ‘‘go slow’’ on the investigation; 
Whereas President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state 
of emergency in Maguindanao the day after the mas-
sacre, vowing that ‘‘no effort will be spared to bring jus-
tice to the victims’’; 
Whereas extrajudicial killings and election-related violence are 
common in the Philippines, though never on this scale 
and rarely with this level of brutality; and 
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HCON 218 RFS 
Whereas the United States and the Philippines share a 
strong friendship based on shared history and the com-
mitment to democracy and freedom: Now, therefore, be 
it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress— 
(1) regrets the senseless killing of unarmed ci-
vilians and expresses its deepest condolences to the 
families of the 57 victims; 
(2) condemns the culture of impunity that con-
tinues to exist among clans, politicians, armed ele-
ments, and other persons of influence in the Phil-
ippines; 
(3) calls for a thorough, transparent, and inde-
pendent investigation and prosecution of those who 
are responsible for the massacre, including those 
who committed the killings and anyone who may 
have ordered them, and that the proceedings be con-
ducted with the highest possible level of profes-
sionalism, impartiality, and regard for witness pro-
tection to assure the Filipino people that all the re-
sponsible persons are brought to justice; 
(4) calls for an end to extrajudicial killings and 
election-related violence; 
(5) calls for freedom of press and the safety of 
the reporters investigating the massacre; 
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HCON 218 RFS 
(6) urges the Departments of State and Justice 
and other United States Government agencies to re-
view their assistance programs to the Government of 
the Philippines, and to offer any technical assist-
ance, such as forensics support, that Philippine au-
thorities may request; and 
(7) reaffirms the United States commitment to 
working alongside Philippine authorities to combat 
corruption, terrorism, and security threats. 
Passed the House of Representatives December 8, 
2009. 
Attest: 
LORRAINE C. MILLER, 
Clerk. 
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