Journalists based in Central Luzon dramatize their pain, sorrow and rage on the second anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre on Wednesday by lying on the ground (“die in”) in front of the San Fernando City hall in Pampanga. Photo by Dino Balabo
MALOLOS CITY—Journalists in Central Luzon marked yesterday the second anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre with pain, sorrow and rage.
It also coincided with the declaration of the first International Day to End Impunity.
To show pain and sorrow, journalists staged a brief “die-in” in front of the San Fernando City Hall, and marched around the Cathedral holding streamers.
“Two years had passed and we are still grieving the brutal murder of our fellow journalist in Maguindanao,” said Bong Lascson, a veteran journalist and member of the Society of Pampanga Columnists.
He said that in the Filipino tradition, mourning usually end after one year.
But mourning never ends in the case of slain journalists as only about 10 of the 146 cases has been resolved in courts.
“Today, we observe the second year of the Maguindanao massacre with pain, sorrow and rage,” Lacson said.
He stressed that what makes it more painful is the fact that trials in the murders of journalists are too slow.
Despite such situation, Lacson and fellow journalists vowed not to forget slain journalists and their causes, along with unceasing quest for justice and unwavering fight against the culture of impunity.
“We will not go quietly into the night,” Lacson said and added, “rage, rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
For their part, representatives of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Bulacan and Pampanga chapters, along with Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) and the Angeles City Press and Radio Club (ACPRC) joined the call for justice for slain journalists.
Ashley Manabat, chair of the NUJP-Pampanga, reminded fellow journalists to remain steadfast and never forget their responsibilities as mouth piece of the people.
Manabat also said that press freedom in Pampanga is under threat as journalists suffered harassments and violence.
The NUJP-Bulacan also shared a copy of their prepared statement entitled, “Tama na. Sobra na. Kilos na” calling for President Benigno Aquino to act and stop impunity in the country.
