Ilocano journalists cry for justice of massacre victims

By Freddie G. Lazaro

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — Local media personalities and students in Ilocos Sur joined the crusade to ask President Benigno S. Aquino III to fast-track the prosecution of the suspects in the “Maguindanao Massacre” at a gathering on the fourth anniversary of the gruesome crime night of Nov. 23.

“This is to give peace to the victims,” said National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Ilocos Sur Chapter (NUJP-Ilocos) Chairman Arlon Serdenia, referring to the 58 fatalities which included 32 journalists.

Members of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)-Ilocos Sur Chapter also called on the President for quicker action in bringing justice to the victims of the massacre and all other human rights cases in the country.

In simple rites held at Plaza Salcedo in Vigan City, the local journalists and mass communications students lighted candles, offered prayers and laid flowers before the statue of the late President Elpidio Quirino.

Two members of the Ilocos Human Rights Advocates (IHRA) – Karapatan dramatized their protest against the massacre by lying on the ground like the victims’ bodies had been scattered in Maguindanao four years ago.

“Our crusade is continuing until the suspects of the massacre are put behind bars,” said Karapatan leader Rhoda Tajon.