ON THAT fateful day, they started their trek to Shariff Aguak. At crossing Salman, along the national highway, the convoy was stopped by a hundred armed men believed to be CVOs and included some officials of the Philippine National Police and the Mayor.

The entire convoy was then led to an open pit dug by the provincial engineering equipment. There, members of the media, relatives of the Mangundadatu family, lawyers -- mostly women and other passengers from vehicles accidentally passing by were massacred. Some mutilated, others believed raped.

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

November 23 will be etched in the minds and hearts of every Filipino that ours is a weak democracy. This is a country where freedom to voice out discontent and legitimate dissent is absent.

Hundreds have sacrificed their lives. Remember journalist Marlene Esperat who was killed in 2003 for blowing the whistle in the P728-million fertilizer scam; Benjaline "Beng" Hernandez who was killed April 5, 2002 in Arakan Valley in Cotabato province while investigating how the peace process was being implemented and Rebelyn Pitao, a teacher who was abducted and killed.

In the face of this brutality lies the handiwork of a state that refuses to listen and protect its people. Amidst this continued violence are public officials desperately trying to protect their own interest and perpetuate their power.

Constitutional provisions ban private armed groups but on July 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Executive Order 546, which allows local officials and the PNP to deputize barangay tanods as 'force multipliers' in the fight against insurgents. The EO allowed local officials to convert their private armed group into legal entities as civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs).

These private armies made it possible for political families in Maguindanao to thrive and create terror in their favor. It is the same area where local nobility, power and influence made it possible for Arroyo to win the previous presidential elections.

On November 23, an almost all women delegation tried to find their way in an area controlled by the Ampatuan clan to register the candidacy of Ismael "Toto" Mangundadatu.

They have no other choice. Almost one month ago, Comelec directed the transfer of the Comelec Satellite Office from Cotabato City to the Provincial Capitol in Maguindanao. This was followed by another resolution directing all candidates in the province to file their certificates of candidacy at the provincial "capitol".

Earlier, they have asked for police escorts from the PNP Provincial command. They were refused. They also requested for military escort from the 601st Brigade that has an operational responsibility for area but were told that the AFP does not give escort to politicians.

The clan appealed to the highest military command in the region for a security escort for the women. They were assured by the highest military command that the 'road is safe and there will be no need to worry'.

With the assurance, and the long-standing unofficial rule of clan war that prohibit the assassination of women and non-relatives, they went to Shariff Aguak.

On November 23, 57 people were killed, abused and mutilated in Maguindanao.

This happened while those in Malacañang continue with their deep alliance with the Ampatuans and the controversial Hello Garci scandal continues unresolved.

Where sanctity of life and of the ballot remains a question, similar incidents may continue to happen. Where there is no accountability, then the entire democratic processes continue to crumble to pieces. Email comments to roledan@gmail.com