PTFoMS vows safe environment for press, justice for Maguindanao massacre victims

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Sunday renewed its commitment to protect Filipino journalists and pursue justice for victims of media-related violence as the country marked the 16th anniversary of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

In a statement, the PTFoMS expressed solidarity with the families of the 58 victims killed in the worst and deadliest attack on media workers and case of election-related violence in Philippine history.

The PTFoMS paid tribute to the media workers who were “doing their job – seeking truth and reporting it to the nation.”

“Their sacrifice reminds us of the dangers faced by media professionals in the pursuit of press freedom,” they said.

The PTFoMS also recognized the ongoing demand for justice, especially from the families of the 58 victims.

“This is not just a plea for retribution; it is a strong demand for accountability, for an end to impunity, and for assurance that such an act never happens again,” the government agency said.

They added: “PTFoMS remains committed to protecting media workers and ensuring justice for all victims of media-related violence… We reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe environment for all media practitioners, upholding the rule of law, and defending the right to a free press.”

On Nov. 23, 2009, 58 people – including 32 journalists and media workers – were killed in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The journalists were covering the convoy of supporters of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, whose wife, sisters, and lawyers were filing a certificate of candidacy on his behalf to challenge Andal Ampatuan Sr. in the 2010 gubernatorial race.

The members of the convoy were abducted by more than 100 men, shot, and buried in a mass grave dug by backhoes. Six of the victims were not part of the convoy.

In its statement, the PTFoMS noted that the December 2019 conviction of several principal suspects, including key members of the Ampatuan clan is a “significant step towards justice.”

“However, appeals are ongoing, and we understand the journey toward complete justice continues. We pledge to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure legal processes are followed and to pursue full accountability for those responsible,” they said.

The PTFOMS assured that the memory of the 32 media workers and their courage and dedication will strengthen their collective resolve to ensure that justice will ultimately prevail for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also expressed their solidarity with the victims’ families in calling for the resolution of pending appeals, including the recognition of the 58th victim, Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay and on the damages sought by the heirs.

In a statement, the NUJP said many of the conditions faced by media workers in 2009 remain unchanged.

“Dynasties remain entrenched in power and, because of economic realities, media workers are still at risk of being caught in the middle of political rivalries,” the NUJP said.

“As we continue to call for full justice for the 58 massacre victims, this commemoration is also a reminder for all of us to keep working for media safety, editorial independence, and a living wage for media workers, especially for colleagues in the regions who remain the worst paid and least protected in the media community.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News