WATCH: 5 years after Ampatuan Massacre, fight for justice continues

 

 

A backhoe-themed television ad, a social media campaign, and an international mission will be among the activities slated this week to mark the fifth anniversary of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre.

 

The TV ad by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said the laments "zero justice" five years after 58 people, including 32 journalists, were murdered.

 

In the black-and-white ad, the NUJP pointed out "a backhoe can bury anything... except the memory of 58 lives," before flashing the message "Ampatuan Massacre: 5 years 0 justice."

 

According to the NUJP, the ad is part of a public service campaign in coordination with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI). (http://www.nujp.org/2014/11/nujp-releases-commemoration-activities-for-5th-year-of-ampatuan-massacre/)

 

"The ads will be aired on all TV and radio stations nationwide and will be published in major and local dailies," it said.

 

It added the campaign materials were produced by the Philippine Integrated Advertising Agency and WYD Productions.

 

On the other hand, a social media campaign is underway bearing the campaign line: 58 dead. 5 years. 0 justice. Ampatuan Massacre 11.23.2009.

 

"NUJP asks its members and fellow press freedom advocates to use the icon attached to this as their profile pic from Nov. 17 to 23 to serve as a reminder of the most gruesome attack on journalists in history," it said.

 

For its part, the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) enjoins the commemoration by posting “black photos” in broadsheets and tabloids.

 

NUJP and other media organizations will also hold forums and round-table-discussions in schools, colleges and universities.

 

International mission

 

Meanwhile, the NUJP said an international mission led by it and the International Federation of Journalists will be held Nov. 20 to 24 in General Santos and Manila cities.

 

The mission will meet with government officials including:

 

 

International mission delegates will also join the million candle activity at the EDSA Shrine on Nov. 23.

 

Other activities

 

On Nov. 21, the families of the victims and NUJP members will visit the massacre site.

 

On Nov. 23, an installation art revisiting the Ampatuan Massacre will be unveiled at 9 a.m. at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, as an initiative of advertising giant BBDO Guererro.

 

Also on Nov. 23, NUJP will join the Milyong Tanglaw para sa Katarungan at the EDSA Shrine at 5 p.m.

 

NUJP chapters will hold similar candle-lighting activities in their respective areas.

 

The NUJP said the commemoration activities intend to “look back and see how five years of corruption and apathy have conspired to thwart not only justice for the Ampatuan 58 but allowed the impunity with which journalists, farmers, indigenous people, religious and others whose only crime is to exercise their right to free expression, continue to be murdered.”

 

“From today until November 23 and beyond, let us remind this government of its unfulfilled and broken promises of justice, of respect for our basic rights and freedoms, of good governance,” NUJP said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News