The full PCIJ documentary on the Maguindanao clans is now online
A VIDEO DOCUMENTARY produced by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) on the continuing rule of the political clans in Maguindanao province may now be viewed online.
ANGKAN, INC. was produced by the PCIJ with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The documentary was also broadcast by television network TV5 on Sunday, April 28, as part of the station’s Balwarte series.
The PCIJ documentary looks at the roots of clan rule in Maguindanao, tracing it to as far back as the rule of the Datus at the height of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, before the arrival of the Spaniards i the Philippines. Over the centuries, especially in the last hundred years, the royal clans of Maguindanao had evolved from religious and cultural pillars of the society into political clans courted by the powers that be in Manila, beginning first with the American colonial regime, followed by successive Philippine governments after the declaration of Independence.
The continued political and economic influence of the clans became all the more apparent during election years, when they field large numbers of clan members, effectively smothering many other aspirants for public office.
The print versions of the documentary may be viewed here:
Ampatuans, web of kin warp Maguindanao polls
Maguindanao’s misery: Absentee officials, absence of rage, poverty
National politics prop dynasties to win elections