Lawmaker wants Nov. 23 holiday in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker has proposed that November 23 of every year be a non-working holiday in the Maguindanao to commemorate the 2009 massacre of 58 people, including 32 media workers.

Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu filed House Bill 4417 which seeks to commemorate the event which "left a scar that will forever be remembered not only by the Maguindanaoans but also by the entire Filipino nation."

“The perpetrators of the said horrendous incident even tried to hide their crime by burying the lifeless bodies and vehicles of the victims in makeshift ditches,” he said.

The principal accused of multiple murder charge - the members of the Ampatuan clan - are now asking the court to be allowed to post bail.

They are now detained at a police camp in Bicutan, Taguig while the case is being heard by a Quezon City court.

The lawmaker said that such a horrific event should not be allowed to happen again.

“Declaring November 23 as a holiday will also act as a reminder that Maguindanao and the entire Filipino nation should not allow such a deplorable act to ever happen again,” he added.

On said date, all work and classes shall be suspended in the entire province of Maguindanao.