Pia: "Rapists of Maguindanao nurse deserve to rot in jail"

"I strongly condemn the gang-rape of Florence, the 21-year old volunteer nurse in South Upi, Maguindanao. All the perpetrators must be arrested, made to face the law and suffer the consequences."

"Regardless of who they are or who their connections are, they deserve no less than to rot in jail for their bestial act."

"Rising incidents of violence against women not only indicates a breakdown in law and order, but also of a prevailing culture that continues to regard women as inferiors and sex objects."

"I urge the PNP and AFP to work more closely with the DOH in ensuring the security of all nurses working under the NARS (Nurses Assistance to Rural Services) program, especially those assigned in areas of conflict."

"Medical professionals who volunteer to work in the countryside, including doctors, nurses and midwives, unselfishly choose a life of service with pittance wages instead of working abroad for higher pay and benefits. The least the government can do in return is to safeguard their dignity and security."