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International press freedom groups, including
CPJ, have released a new, in-depth report into the November massacre of 30
journalists and two media support workers in Maguindanao province, “The massacre underlines the terrible
dangers that Filipino journalists face. It also highlights the inability and
unwillingness of the state to ensure the protection and safety of journalists
who are seeking to perform their duties,” the international mission
members said in
a statement announcing the report’s January 23 launch. “This
massacre, coming at the very beginning of the 2010 election process, not only
undermines that process but has dealt a cruel blow to democracy and free media
in the
The report compiles the findings of a December 5-10 mission
led by the International Federation of Journalists. The delegation (in which I
participated as CPJ’s representative) met with victims’ family members, local
journalists, prosecutors, diplomats, and government officials. Our joint report,
Massacre
in the Philippines: International Solidarity Mission Rapid Assessment, builds
on the initial findings of four local groups--the National Union of Journalists of the
The international mission’s findings include a detailed timeline of events on the day of the massacre, along with an account by a journalist who turned back from the convoy. It will add to the growing store of evidence and testimony being compiled against Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who has been detained and faces multiple murder charges over his alleged role in the crime. He has pleaded innocent, claiming that the killings were actually perpetrated by his political opponents. His lawyers are seeking his release on bail.
Authorities say the killings were motivated by political clan rivalries. The journalists were accompanying a convoy of people traveling to Shariff Aguak, the provincial capital, to file gubernatorial candidacy papers on behalf of political clan leader Esmael Mangudadatu, an Ampatuan rival.
The joint
mission report raises concerns about the government’s handling of forensic
evidence at the massacre site and cites fears that the legal proceedings will be
compromised in light of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s political ties to
the Ampatuan clan. It questions why authorities have yet to arrest any
of the estimated 100 gunmen—many believed to be local police officials—who ambushed
the convoy. The gunmen led those in the convoy to a remote area in the town of
Underscoring concerns of a possible official whitewash, the
report highlights the role of Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton, commander of the 6th
Infantry Division in Maguindanao province at the time of the massacre. A local
journalist had requested that the military provide security for the convoy, a
request that Cayton denied. He was relieved of duty in the immediate aftermath
of the massacre, but has since been promoted to vice commander of the Armed
Forces of the
The joint mission report stresses the need for independent international observers to monitor the investigation and court proceedings. As the media spotlight fades, it’s essential the international community maintain pressure on the administration of President Arroyo and that of her successor to ensure that justice is served.
Shawn W. Crispin is CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative.
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I personally know 4 of those 30 journalists massacred by the Ampatuans with their gunmen.
Those 4 were reporters of UNTV 37.
The Philippine journalists are really in need of help from the international community.
Please help us.
Hello, I admire the vigilance of all sectors of our society specially the media in ensuring that justice will be carried out properly and uncompromised. The Magundanao Massacare is not only reflective of violence specifically directed at media. I humbly believe that this is not a direct attack against our journalist brothers. They are collateral victims in this heinous crime. More importantly, we need to see that respect to an individual's freedom to enjoy their life was the main target on account of satisfying one's inhuman desire. Vigilance must not only be stressed in protecting our journalist brothers, but together, must work to achieve concerted efforts to maintain awareness of the freedom to enjoy the integrity of life of every person and help to carry out the preservation of each one's God given life.