‘SOLDIER ON’: Ampatuan massacre verdict is just the beginning – NUJP

By: Francis Allan L. Angelo

Ten years and 238 case folders later, the Maguindanao Massacre case reached its conclusion, at least in the Regional Trial Court, via a 761-page decision handed down by Quezon City RTC Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes on Thursday.

Members of the Ampatuan clan and several others were found guilty of multiple murders in what was considered the worst political violence in the Philippines and one of the worst attacks on journalists in the world.

Brothers Zaldy and Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. were sentenced to reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years in prison) without parole, based on the 761-page ruling that was partially read in court.

Another Ampatuan brother, Sajid, mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, was acquitted.

Fifty-eight people were killed, including 32 journalists, in the November 23, 2009 massacre. Some were reportedly shot in the genitals and their bodies were buried in a mass grave dug by a backhoe.

But the Andals and 26 others were convicted for 57 counts of murder as the body of the 58th fatality, photographer Reynaldo Momay, remained missing.

A total of 197 persons were charged, but 80 others remain at large. A total of 42 were convicted on Thursday while 55 were acquitted.

In a statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomed the conviction of key Ampatuan clan members and several others.

“This is long overdue but their guilt has become official,” the statement added.

The group attributed in part the favourable decision to the bravery of journalists in achieving justice for the victims.

“The conviction of the key accused is also due to the unity and steadfastness of Filipino media workers and media groups in the country and abroad who have sustained the campaign and efforts for the past 10 years to make sure that the massacre will not be forgotten and that justice will be achieve no matter how long and hard it takes. We must soldier on until the last of those responsible are behind bars.”

While the decision is not yet final until the Supreme Court rules so, the NUJP said “this is a significant and landmark step in proving the guilt of the Ampatuan clan members and their minions in the massacre, the worst single attack against journalists in the world and the worst single election-related violence in the country.”

The group also lauded the families of the 58 victims “for never giving up and succumbing to threats, bribes and harassment and instead stood their ground in fighting for justice for their loved ones.”

“The convictions and indemnification can never bring back the lives of the victims and erase the pain of the families who lost their loved ones. But these, in some way, alleviate the suffering that they have endured for the past 10 years,” NUJP said.

The group also lamented that 55 defendants including some Ampatuan clan members were acquitted while 80 of those accused remain at large.

As to the 58^th victim Reynaldo Momay Jr., the NUJP is still hopeful for justice.

“We believe they are guilty in the death of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay Jr. whose remains have still not been found. Justice is not yet complete for Bebot and until the last of those responsible with blood in their hands are made accountable.”