Arrest of remaining suspects in Ampatuan massacre sought
2023-Nov-24 11:30
GRUESOME. An employee of the National Press Club (NPC) in Manila arranges the photos used in the exhibit commemorating the 14th anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre on Thursday (Nov. 23, 2023). The massacre, known as the worst single attack on media workers, killed 58 people – including 32 media personnel, after they were waylaid by a private army in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao province on Nov. 23, 2009. PHOTO: Ben Briones/Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday urged the government authorities to continue their efforts to arrest the remaining suspects in the massacre of 58 people, including 32 media workers, in Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.
NPC president Lydia Bueno said while the NPC lauds the conviction of 44 suspects, justice seems not properly served since some 83 of the perpetrators remain at large.
"Masasabi po natin na ganap na ang hustisya kung ang lahat ng mga sangkot sa karumal-dumal na krimen ay nasa bilangguan na po (We can only say that justice has been served if all perpetrators of the gruesome crime are already in jail)," Bueno said on the 14th commemoration of the so-called Ampatuan massacre.
Andal Ampatuan Jr. and his brother Zaldy, the primary accused in the case, were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole in December 2019.
Since 2009, the NPC has been active in calling for justice for the slain journalists.
The victims were supposed to witness the filing of candidacy of then Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu for the 2010 gubernatorial elections but they were flagged down and killed by gunmen in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Bueno said a photo exhibit, candle lighting and a Holy Mass were held at the NPC grounds for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre.
NPC Secretary Leonel Abasola said the NPC has extended financial support to the relatives of the slain media workers through the initiatives of former NPC president Benny Antiporda. (PNA)