Canadian ambassador urges Philippine about Maguindanao case

Canadian ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley urged the Philippine government to quicken the process of Maguindanao massacre case on Wednesday, its second anniversary."Canada stands with the Filipino people in the call for the rule of law to prevail and for those responsible to be brought to justice," Thornley said in a statement.He added, in remembering the victims, Canada understands that the massacre was not only an act of violence but also an attack on the values shared by Canadian and Filipinos.Human rights, freedom of the press, freedom of expression and the right to free and fair elections are the cornerstones of our societies, and must be respected and protected, said Thornley.He called on the Government of the Philippines to ensure the process to bring those responsible to justice be completed in a timely and credible manner.In light of the more recent violence in Western Mindanao, Canada reiterates its hope that a lasting settlement can be found through the ongoing peace process.Exactly two years ago, 58 people, including 33 journalists, were mercilessly gunned down and hacked to death in broad daylight in a remote village road in the province of Maguindanao in Central Mindanao on the eve of the national election, putting the Philippines in the world list of shocking massacre.