Manila, Philippines — On November 23, the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) Embassy Network in the Philippines commemorated the 15th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, also known as the Ampatuan Massacre. This grim event, which occurred in 2009, claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 journalists, making it the deadliest single attack on the press in Philippine history and one of the most heinous crimes against journalists globally.
In a joint statement signed by 18 embassies, including those from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the MFC honored the courage of the journalists who perished and reiterated the importance of justice, accountability, and the rule of law in ensuring press freedom and democracy.
“We honor the courage of the journalists who lost their lives 15 years ago in this tragic event,” the statement read. “While the members of the MFC welcome the resolution of the murder trial against those primarily responsible for the Maguindanao Massacre, we continue to call on government authorities to bring the remaining perpetrators and accomplices to justice.”
The coalition emphasized that violence against journalists remains a critical threat to press freedom, urging the Philippine government to intensify its efforts to investigate and prosecute all cases of journalist killings.
Background: The Maguindanao Massacre
The Maguindanao Massacre took place on November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province. The victims were part of a convoy heading to file the certificate of candidacy for Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who was challenging the powerful Ampatuan political clan in the 2010 gubernatorial elections.
Armed men, allegedly led by members of the Ampatuan family, stopped the convoy and brutally killed the occupants, including Mangudadatu’s relatives, lawyers, and journalists. The incident exposed the extent of political violence and impunity in the Philippines, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
Following years of trial, in December 2019, key members of the Ampatuan family were convicted of multiple counts of murder. However, many other suspects remain at large, and the quest for full accountability continues.
Global Support for Philippine Press Freedom
The MFC’s statement highlighted the importance of ensuring a safer environment for journalists in the Philippines, reiterating their readiness to support the government in fostering press freedom and protecting media workers.
“It is through a clear understanding of our past, and by building on lessons learned, that we can move toward a better future—one that continues to uphold justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” the coalition added.
The embassies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and others joined in solidarity, reinforcing the call for justice and support for press freedom in the country.
As the Philippines remembers the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, this anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges journalists face and the urgent need to safeguard democracy by protecting the individuals who uphold truth and transparency.
Signed by:
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Australia in The Philippines
- 🇦🇹 Austria: Austrian Embassy Manila
- 🇧🇪 Belgium: Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Manila
- 🇨🇦 Canada: Embassy of Canada in the Philippines
- 🇨🇿 Czechia: Czech Embassy Manila
- 🇩🇰 Denmark: Embassy of Denmark in the Philippines
- 🇫🇮 Finland: Finnish Embassy in Manila
- 🇫🇷 France: Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇮🇹 Italy: Embassy of Italy in the Philippines
- 🇮🇪 Ireland: Irish Embassy Manila
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: New Zealand Embassy – Manila, Philippines
- 🇳🇴 Norway: The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila
- 🇸🇮 Slovenia
- 🇸🇪 Sweden: Embassy of Sweden in Manila
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland: Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: British Embassy Manila
