Bulacan journalists join world’s 1st year mark of Maguindanao massacre

GUIGUINTO, Bulacan—Black wearing journalists staged a five hour marathon broadcast of strong clamor for justice for the victims of Maguindanao massacre during its one year anniversary on Tuesday.

Dino Balabo, president of National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Bulacan chapter invited different media members in Bulacan to discuss on air all their concerns particularly the attainment of justice for the 32 killed journalists in the said gruesome killing in Mindanao last year.

The country was at the middle of political preparations for the May 2010 elections when the political killing was staged by powerful politicians in Maguindanao November 23, 2009 which shocked the whole world and placed the country again as one of the most dangerous places for members of the press.

The still low process in the hearing of the case against the Ampatuan family lords worried all members of the media not only in the country but in the whole world, Balabo said therefore raising the need for all members of the media to unite and let their one solid voice for clamor of swift justice be continuously and repeatedly heard.

The marathon broadcast was held at the Radyo Bulacan 89.5 FM located at the 2nd floor of Farmacia Masagana along Cagayan Valley Road, in Barangay Sta. Rita this town.
Balabo said the marathon broadcast also aimed to discuss various offenses being committed against members of the media in Bulacan and other parts of the country as well.

Rommel Ramos, radio program anchorman for 89.5 and vice president of NUJP Bulacan including Balabo hosted the program where nearly 50 journalists and some private and government supporters and followers of free and responsible press in Bulacan also participated.

In a statement released by the NUJP Bulacan, the officers and members of the group joined the other journalists in the country and the world in thirst for the most coveted justice for all the slain victims of the massacre.

“Tuyo na ang kanilang luha, namamaos na ang tinig sa pananalangin at paghingi ng katarungan. Sa paglipas ng isang taon at pagsapit ng panibago, hindi magmamaliw ang aming paninindigan para sa katarungan at pagwawakas ng culture of impunity sa bansa. Kami ay magpapatuloy hangga’t hindi nakakamit ang katarungan at tuluyang mapigil ang culture of impunity o kawalan ng napaparusahan sa katulad na krimen sa bansa”.
Bulacan journalists also expressed full vigilance and patience awaiting the justice day for all the victims.

“Mabagal man ang daloy ng proseso ng katarungan, kami ay magtitiyaga, kami ay magpapatuloy sa pagbabantay”.

They are also pushing for the live coverage of the trial of the suspects.