More than 300 students and journalists from different media organizations unite in the commemoration of the Maguindanao massacre today, November 23, in Legazpi City.
The Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONJour), a department-based organization of journalism students in Bicol University in partnership with National Union of the Philippines (NUJP) Albay Chapter organized the event commemorating the 11.23 massacre. Different student and media organizations were invited in the event to raise awareness and to not forget the dreadful killing of media practitioners in the Maguindanao massacre.
It can be recalled that on November 23, 2009 in broad daylight, 58 people were brutally killed in the Ampatuan massacre in Maguindanao. 32 of them were journalists. This incident labelled the Philippines as the most dangerous country for journalists.
Today, 13 years after the massacre, families of the victims are still looking for justice. Students and journalists in Bicol offers solidarity and support in calling for justice that has not been fully resolved up to this day.
The National Union of the Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) Albay chapter meanwhile says it will remain vigilant and calls for unity among media practitioners in demanding full justice to the victims of media killings.
“We will continue to #Fightfor58 and other victims of media killings and other forms of attacks. Among others, we also never forget the killings and attacks done to our colleagues here in Albay province,” said Mr. Reynard Magtoto, Chairperson NUJP Albay Chapter.
The highlights of the commemoration include the silent march around the school premise with students bearing placards, tying of ribbons bearing the names of the 58 killed victims in the massacre, and a candle-lighting ceremony.
The students also had an artwork exhibit display with a freedom wall expressing their support of messages. Several media practitioners also gave commemorative messages encouraging the students of their role as watchdogs of society. I via Jona Bagayawa
