As the nation solemnly marks the 15th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, the National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines and the Cagayan de Oro Press Club call on all members of the media to remain vigilant in protecting their safety and upholding press freedom.
The brutal massacre on November 23, 2009, claimed the lives of 58 individuals, including 32 journalists and media workers, making it one of the darkest days in Philippine journalism history. Though some convictions have been made, full justice remains elusive. Many convicted perpetrators have yet to face imprisonment, leaving the families of the victims still yearning for true accountability.
NPC President Leonel “Boying” Abasola reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to this cause: “Apart from taking the battle to court through the untiring efforts of our lawyers, Atty. Michael Mella and Atty. Nena Santos, the NPC has always ensured steady support for the families of the victims. This includes educational assistance to the children of the victims to help ensure a better future for them.”
The massacre serves as a grim reminder of the fragile state of press freedom in the Philippines and the entrenched culture of impunity. The Cagayan de Oro Press Club emphasized this point, stating, “Since November 23, 2009, the Ampatuan Massacre became a significant date among the media community in the Philippines as a reminder of how fragile the state of the country’s press freedom and the callousness of our culture of impunity.”
Fifteen years later, the situation for journalists remains perilous. The recent killing of broadcaster Maria Vilma Rodriguez in Zamboanga City highlights the ongoing threats faced by media workers. As noted by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, “Media workers and journalists alike continue to experience threats and harassment, let alone the spate of red-tagging and facing trumped-up charges in courts, while in the line of their duties.”
This troubling reality is reflected in the Philippines’ persistent ranking on the Global Impunity Index, where it has remained in 9th place for 17 years, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. This ranking underscores the high likelihood that perpetrators of journalist killings will go unpunished.
Abasola emphasized the importance of preventing such tragedies from recurring: “The NPC will not tire in working with government and law enforcement agencies and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to ensure the safety and security of our brothers and sisters in the profession.”
The Cagayan de Oro Press Club echoes this sentiment, urging the public to join in advocating for press freedom and accountability. “As we observe the anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre, we are calling on the public to be our partner in pushing for a freer press and accountability for those who wish to suppress our freedom of speech.”
Fifteen years on, the call remains clear: Protecting journalists is essential not just for their safety but for the preservation of democracy and the rule of law. The memory of the fallen must continue to fuel the fight against impunity, ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain.
