Maguindanao provincial Governor Esmael Mangudadatu points at mug shots of suspects during a press conference at Camp Crame. AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Confederation of Asean Journalists (CAJ) on Friday threw its support behind the quest for justice for the victims of the Nov. 23, 2009, Maguindanao massacre, 32 of whom were media workers.
Eleven officers of the group joined the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) in a wreath-laying and candle-lighting ceremony at the NPC’s Maguindanao massacre commemorative marker in Intramuros, Manila.
The activity was a buildup to the #NEVER4GET rally Saturday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the massacre.
According to the NPC, the movement aims to remind President Benigno Aquino III of his promise to resolve the killings during his term.
“We support the call of the NPC for the Philippine government to render financial and other material assistance to the victims’ families so that they would not be induced or ‘persuaded’ by some quarters to ‘settle’ with the suspects, thereby denying the end of justice,” the CAJ said in what it called Manila Declaration.
Around 1,000 people from various groups are expected to participate in Saturday’s rally on Chino Roces Bridge in Manila.
The participants will carry torches and burn a 3.3-meter “impunity backhoe” effigy with images of the Ampatuans.
The fourth anniversary will also be commemorated in Bacolod City Saturday in conjunction with the observance of the third year of International Day to End Impunity.
Friday, members of the women’s organization Gabriela lighted candles and offered flowers at the Marker for Fallen Journalists in the city.
The Mass Communications Society of the University of St. La Salle held a poetry reading and lighted candles to commemorate the mass killings.
A Mass will be held at St. Mary Vianney Hall at 11 a.m. Saturday for the victims of the massacre.
The Mass will be followed by a “Die-in for Justice” on Rizal Street, across the cathedral, at noon. With a report from Carla Gomez, Inquirer Visayas
RELATED STORIES:
1,461 days since Maguindanao massacre
Judge: Trial ‘almost halfway through…’
Timeline: Maguindanao Massacre