Fifteen years have passed since November 23, 2009, the day that marked one of the darkest moments in Philippine history—the Ampatuan Massacre. Widely regarded as the worst case of election-related violence and the most heinous attack on media workers in the country, the massacre left 58 people dead, including 32 journalists and media workers. This tragedy not only highlighted the fragility of press freedom but also exposed the pervasiveness of impunity in the Philippines.
Today, as journalists, media organizations, and advocates commemorate this somber anniversary, the fight for justice continues. Despite the landmark convictions handed down a decade after the massacre, the battle remains far from over. The convictions are under appeal, leaving families of the victims in a prolonged state of uncertainty. Finality in justice remains elusive, as does long-awaited compensation for the loss of loved ones.
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied
The delay in justice is itself a form of injustice. A decade-long wait for convictions is an excruciating timeline for families already burdened by grief. Moreover, many of the accused perpetrators have yet to be arrested and tried, while one victim, Reynaldo Momay, remains legally unrecognized as among the casualties despite being part of the ill-fated convoy. These unresolved facets underscore the systemic issues in the judicial process and highlight the gaps in accountability mechanisms.
Until justice is fully served, the scars of the massacre will remain open wounds, not just for the families but for the nation as a whole.
Fighting for Memory
Alongside the call for justice is an equally vital fight: the fight for memory. The Ampatuan Massacre is more than a tragic event—it is a stark reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the precarious conditions under which they operate. In the regions, local journalists continue to work under the shadow of threats from powerful individuals and groups. These pressures manifest in various forms, from subtle coercion to tone down stories to outright threats of violence, libel suits, and even terrorism-related charges.
The legacy of the massacre compels the media community to keep the stories of the victims alive. Reporting on developments in the case and continuing the work of those silenced by violence are ways to honor their memory and uphold the principles of press freedom.
A Dangerous Landscape for Journalists
Fifteen years after the massacre, the conditions that enabled such violence persist. The Philippines continues to grapple with the presence of political warlords who hold unchecked power in certain provinces. As long as these individuals are allowed to operate under the guise of maintaining “peace and order” for the national government, the risk of violence against journalists and ordinary citizens remains high.
The threats to media freedom are not confined to physical violence. Legal harassment, including libel and terrorism-related cases, has become another weapon wielded against media workers, human rights defenders, and activists. These challenges demand collective action to create a safer and more equitable environment for journalists.
A Call to Action
Earlier this month, the world marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. For Filipino journalists and media organizations, this is not just a day of commemoration—it is a call to action. Insisting on justice for those who have been harassed, attacked, or killed is a continuous and collective effort. It is a commitment to ensuring that the stories of the victims remain in the public consciousness and to advancing the unfinished work they left behind.
Generations of media workers have taken up this mantle, striving to create safer spaces for journalists in newsrooms and the field. This ongoing fight is both a responsibility and a promise: a promise to never forget the Ampatuan Massacre and a pledge to work tirelessly to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
A Promise to Keep
The joint statement issued by media organizations and advocates serves as a powerful reminder of this commitment. Signed by groups including Altermidya, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, among others, the statement underscores the need to remember, resist, and rebuild.
“Our promise is to never forget,” the statement reads. “But just as important is our promise to each other and the media community to work to make sure that nothing like that happens again.”
This promise is tested each time a journalist is threatened, harassed, or killed. Yet, it is a promise that the media community continues to keep, fueled by the hope that future generations of journalists will do the same.
As the 15th anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre is marked, the call for justice and the fight against impunity remain as urgent as ever. It is a fight not just for those who perished but for the freedom and safety of all who dare to seek and tell the truth.
