Campus Journalists Mark Ampatuan Massacre Anniversary

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By Juliane Judilla

ILOILO CITY—Campus journalists, community media workers, and multi-sectoral groups held a picket protest on November 23 in Iloilo City to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Panay led the gathering, bringing together nearly 20 campus journalists from universities across Panay.

During its general assembly, the Guild emphasized that the massacre remains a stark reminder of the culture of impunity in the Philippines.

They urged the public to honor the memory of the victims and continue seeking justice for the 58 individuals killed in the massacre, including 32 journalists.

The group highlighted the persistence of impunity, noting the continued attacks on media workers and marginalized communities under the current administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

“This massacre is proof of the severe culture of impunity in our country. It reflects the current situation not only of journalists but also of the masses, who are silenced, oppressed, and continually attacked by the state,” CEGP Panay stated.

The group further warned that attacks will continue as long as “warlords” and systems that enable them remain in place.

The Ampatuan Massacre, also known as the Maguindanao Massacre, took place on November 23, 2009, in Maguindanao del Sur.

The incident claimed the lives of lawyers, journalists, and relatives of gubernatorial candidate Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who were ambushed and buried in mass graves by the Ampatuan clan.

It remains the world’s deadliest single attack on journalists and one of the most violent election-related incidents in history.

On December 19, 2019, a Quezon City court convicted Datu Andal Jr., Zaldy, and Anwar Sr. Ampatuan, along with 25 others, of 57 counts of murder and sentenced them to life imprisonment without parole.

However, in 2020, the convicted Ampatuans appealed the verdict, further delaying justice and compensation for the victims’ families. (Photos from Panay Today)