GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures Present “58th,” a Powerful Film of Remembrance and Justice

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures proudly present “58th,” a compelling new film directed by Carl Joseph Papa that honors the lives lost in the Maguindanao Massacre, bringing forward the story of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, the 58th victim.

On November 23, 2009, the world was stunned by horrific news from the small town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao. A convoy en route to file a certificate of candidacy was ambushed and brutally attacked – 57 individuals, including 32 journalists, were murdered in what would become the single deadliest attack on media in history.

But for Reynafe Castillo, daughter of photojournalist Reynaldo Momay, the count has always been incomplete. Her father’s body was never found and to this day, she continues to seek closure, justice and recognition of him as the massacre’s 58th victim.

The day before the tragedy, November 22, 2009 remains etched in Reynafe’s memory. During the annual Kalimudan Festival, she and her father shared what would unknowingly be their final moments together. Bebot, who was covering the event as a photojournalist was unusually affectionate, repeatedly kissing her and asking her to look after his grandsons. “I never imagined it would be the last time,” she recalls.  The next day, Reynafe rushed to the crime scene and was met with unimaginable horror. Bodies had been shot multiple times, others mutilated and buried in hastily dug graves. “This was the work of the devil,” she said. 57 bodies were recovered – except for Reynaldo.

In 2019, after a decade-long trial, the court convicted more than a hundred suspects of 57 counts of murder. Yet the 58th count – Bebot’s case – was dismissed because his remains were never recovered.

Sixteen years on, Reynafe continues her fight. Sixteen years on, she still hopes for official recognition. And sixteen years on, she continues to pray that justice will finally include her father’s name. 

To honor the victims and bring Bebot Momay’s story to light, GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures produced “58th,” directed by Carl Joseph Papa, whose film “Iti Mapukpukaw” was the Philippines’ official entry to the2023 Oscars for Best International Feature. 

“58th” is produced through a powerful blend of animation and real footage. “58th continues my mission to give a voice to the voiceless. Momay can’t speak for himself anymore. This film is our way of joining his daughter, Reynafe in her long fight for her father,” Papa shared. “Animation becomes a vessel for truth, to recreate what was lost and retell what should never be forgotten.” 

“58th” is also significant for being the final film shot by the late Ricky Davao, who portrayed Reynaldo Momay. He is joined by Glaiza De Castro, Mikoy Morales Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz and Biboy Ramirez. 

“58th” retells the tragedy most especially for a generation that barely knows it—ensuring that the victims, their stories, their struggle for justice lives on. 

“My father’s story is not finished. And as long as I am here, as long as my family breathes, we will keep telling it. We will keep seeking justice. We will keep remembering,” Reynafe said.  

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