The latest Pulse Asia survey showed that the Maguindanao massacre, where 58 persons were massacred by Andal Ampatuan, Jr. and his companions, one year ago, is in the consciousness of 98 percent of the Filipinos.
However, Pulse Asia said, less than half (48 percent) of those they surveyed last month said that they are following the developments of the trial.
Click here (VERA Files) for Carol Arguillas’ coverage of the commemoration in Mindanao. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was there.
Click here (VERA Files) for pictorial of the commemoration in Metro Manila.
Pulse Asia’s findings make the request of news organizations and relatives of the victims to allow live coverage of the trial compelling.
As the days wear on, with so many issues and problems cropping up, interest on the carnage that earned for the Philippines the dubious distinction of the world’s most dangerous place for journalists (32 of the victims were members of media), would wane. That would be a cause of concern because tyranny thrives when the people are not vigilant.
Vigilance is kept alive by constant reminder of what has happened in the past.
One of the touching coverages of the first anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre was by Vera Files’ Avigail Olarte.
Avie interviewed two of the relatives of the victims, Juliet Evardo, mother of UNTV editor Jolito Evardo, and Myrna Reblando, wife of Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, Manila Bulletin correspondent.
Avie’s piece is titled “Faith amidst grief: The Ampatuan massacre a year after.”
“Gathered around the table were mother, father and son. It was November 20th, a Friday. It would be their last supper together.
“That day Jolito Evardo traveled home to Davao to say goodbye to his parents.
“’Ma, I’m going to Shariff Aguak,’ the UNTV video editor said.
“’Isn’t that a dangerous place?” his father asked.
“’But it’s for work,” he insisted. “Besides, there will be four of us.”
“He then hurried to leave, saying the rest of the crew was waiting for him. He grabbed his pack, boarded a jeep, and waved goodbye. Jolito wore the shirt his mother got him at the market earlier that day. He picked the color black, as if predicting his own death.
“’Gusto ko siyang pigilan pero di ko maibuka ang bibig ko. Sising-sisi ako (I wasn’t able to dissuade him. I tried to but I couldn’t. Now I deeply regret it),” his mother, Juliet Evardo, said in an anguished voice.
“As she gripped the hem of her thin, black skirt, tears rushed from her eyes. Over and over she cried, ‘Kung alam ko lang. Sana niyakap ko siya nang matagal (If only I knew, I would have hugged him longer).’
“Three days later, Juliet would lose her son. Jolito was 24.
“Now a year after, justice remains elusive to Evardo and to 57 others who were brutally slaughtered in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that morning on Nov. 23. They all went along with a politician’s convoy for different reasons, but they all ended up together, dead, in that clumsily dug up grave.
“For the mothers, wives and relatives of the slain, life took on a different turn.
“There are those like Juliet who continue to fight despite their frustration over the slow pace of the trial proceedings. Despite the lack of compensation from the government, mothers like her make do with the little they have to attend hearings while struggling to feed a household.
“Wives like Myrna Reblando, spouse of Manila Bulletin writer Alejandro Reblando, are one of the few brave enough to express outrage, speak on behalf of the group, to hold authorities and those responsible for the deaths accountable.
“But both Juliet and Myrna say they have high hopes on President Aquino, especially with his promise shortly after he was elected that he will put the perpetrators behind bars.
“One of the ways, they said, is for government to seek the support of the United Nations to aid the state in prosecuting crimes. The President should also push for the live coverage of the trial to create public outcry against such atrocities. This may also lessen the threats and continuous harassments against them and their children.”
“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has recorded 143 deaths of journalists since 1986. Of these, only seven cases ended up with convictions. The Philippines is consistently tagged as the most dangerous place for journalists and as the worst peace-time democracy in the world due to the number of unresolved killings.”
Statement of Mr. Christopher Thornley, the Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, on the anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre
“On the solemn anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, Canada would like to extend again our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims who needlessly and brutally died on that day.
Canada, along with other members of the international community, immediately condemned this horrific and unforgivable event. Then, as now, we call for the rule of law to prevail and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Canada welcomes the steps taken by the Government of the Philippines to hold accountable the perpetrators of the massacre. Ensuring a timely, credible, and just conclusion to this case is essential in demonstrating to the world the commitment of the Philippines to safeguarding human rights and respecting the rule of law.”
From Jean-Guy Dubeau and Virgie Dubeau (Rahiol):
Justice sure is slow in the Philippines.
My wife and I financed a court case vs PNOC that started in 1983 (Dumaguete) and just finished last year with our lawyers giving the reason for losing was that they were late by a day or two to submit an Appeal and guest who was our lawyer?
Ampatuan’s lead defense lawyer, Philip Sigfrid Fortun and his partners. My father-in-law who dedicated his life to represent over five hundred people for this case
died a few months before the final decision. Thank God for that.
As the days wear on, with so many issues and problems cropping up, interest on the carnage that earned for the Philippines the dubious distinction of the world’s most dangerous place for journalists (32 of the victims were members of media), would wane. That would be a cause of concern because tyranny thrives when the people are not vigilant.—
People are vigilant! Our judiciary, as a system, is the problem.
just about everyone knew that the justice system in the country as best is semi-functional, but nothing is done to correct them because the elite and the wealthy and the oligarchs have the upper hand the way it is and so are the Lawmakers. so what is the need for reforms? the majority will just hope and wish that the tragedies that were happening will just by luck would not happen to them…protest and marches and all would the remembering would not change a thing, unless the leaders themselves would lead the way. as of now, what is being done? are the private armies being disarmed? the politicians no longer feeding these warlords and druglords for their supports during elections? President Aquino is promising Justice, but promises is good, but doing something will be better.
If half of the villains are still out, the case may drag even more.
Also, if the Ampatuans still have the source of funding to bribe supposed witnesses, there will be more of those witnesses who will change their testimonies. The DOJ should really protect the witnesses the best they can, even providing for their families, if need be, just to make sure that they will survive through the trial.
People are vigilant! Our judiciary, as a system, is the problem. -olan
Agree!
§3
Indeed!
While I accept that the Ampatuans, unlike the 57 or perhaps more victims of their heinous crime, have the right to defence, — and the best defence that their ill-gotten wealth can buy, I find it gobsmacking that Mr Fortun should use squid tactics to prevent his clients from having their day in court and the lenghts he would go through to make a mockery of justice.
But never mind, after all, one could easily surmise that Mr Fortun is as corrupt as the entire Philippine justice system…So it’s not surprising that unlike in other instances where the accused usually ask for their day in court to establish their innocence, Mr Fortun does the opposite.
What is distressing in all this is that our courts are allowing him to do it, to get away with legal wizardry against all decency, in effect to make a mockery of justice. At the end of the day, the blame should fall squarely on our justice system, the judge presiding over the “trial” and the prosecutors who allow themselves to be turned around by Fortun’s little finger.
A corrupt lawyer in an excecrable tribunal is a lethal combination. The dead be damned!
well said annaDeBrux! I wish I can express my point of view as good as you. 🙂
we are so cooped up about the slogan of this country, but none of them matters if loathsome nonsense in the government rules.
what can i do to help?
anna,
thats how democracy works…its the same in other countries…its the best lawyers who get the job done, the sharks!
thats why some people still say its “alleged.” the police who gathered the evidence must be very careful, the doj must also secure the witnesses, etc…then again, we had some sort of emergency rule, martial rule, whatever, in that area after the incident? so we don’t know if the evidence has been tampered with, removed, etc…and so many witnesses have kicked the bucket prematurely already…
fortun and his ilk will probably debunk everything thrown at them and make their client look like a misunderstood angel in disguise…and the the deaths a mass suicide of sorts…
…and why are the normally so noisy senators, congresssmen, so quiet about this? we got a more indignant reaction from our election topnotchers like bong revilla from the katrina halili and “idol” hayden kho scandal!
why aren’t there much politicians taking the cudgel for this? and why isn’t there any investigation in the afp as to who authorized the release of all those guns and ammunition? we have a smoking gun complete with proof of origin – afp, but why aren’t there any calls to have the people concerned accountable? and why is gloria is going around like she owns the place? is she really out of power or just biding her time?
…and why does the supreme court need a spokesperson? you mean to say they have to do some “spinning’ also?
Many of the accused murderers are still free!!!
President Noynoy should put one of his trusted BFF’s to head a special project to capture the murderers and bring them to trial. Rico Puno, where are you?
“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has recorded 143 deaths of journalists since 1986. Of these, only seven cases ended up with convictions. The Philippines is consistently tagged as the most dangerous place for journalists and as the worst peace-time democracy in the world due to the number of unresolved killings.”
Pilipinas kay Ganda!
Pareho din ata Noynoy and GMA administration….
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Extrajudicial killings unabated under PNoy
Sunday, 21 November 2010 09:54 AM Ronalyn V. Olea
One activist is killed per week under the Aquino administration, according to records of human rights group Karapatan. In the previous week alone, two activists were shot dead in Southern Tagalog.
( full article is here:
http://www.thepoc.net/thepoc-features/politi-ko/politiko-opinions/10310-human-rights-violations-philippines.html
Mahiya ka naman sana RICO PUNO. Kahit konting hiya man lang. ANO BA ANG NAGAWA MO???? PENOY HANGGANG NGAYON DYSFUNCTIONAL PA RIN ANG MGA TAO MO IN CHARGED OF PEACE AND ORDER! The Ampatuans are still technically free! They still have their money! They still have their properties! They still have the balls to create chaos wherever they want to! They are still in a killing-spree! BWISIT ANG GOBYERNO MO PENOY! Mas masarap pa ang balut sa you! Pweh!
oopps *sa iyo! — sorry ate ellen, am at my boiling point right now.
Thank you Olan!
Good question well put, Jug. Why indeed…
and here is the good news of the day…the Girl is 19 years old now…a sophomore in one of the Ivy Leagues, University of Philadelphia School of Business, very little inteaction with his two famous surviving half brothers..very little known between her mom and the former PM (she was 36, he was 71 when she was born) but many eyes on this very pleasant and beautiful young woman, she is the one the country is waiting for…our next PM and she will be Great. Introducing Sarah Coyne, Pierre Trudeau youngest and only daughter…
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/895866–pierre-trudeau-s-daughter-sarah-lives-under-the-radar?bn=1
…and why are the normally so noisy senators, congresssmen, so quiet about this? we got a more indignant reaction from our election topnotchers like bong revilla from the katrina halili and “idol” hayden kho scandal! -jug
Without Gloria Arroyo’s coddling of the Ampatuans, the criminals would not have been too bold in carrying out the carnage. Where is Gloria? Nandun sa Tongreso, namamayagpag! Que Horor, Que Barbaridad! Untouchable pa rin ang puta!
That item — the GMA/Ampatuan connection — should be additional motivation for Noynoy Aquino to put more resources into the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre.
But really… it is insulting the anecdotes that the same courtroom used for the 2009Maguindanao massacre case is also used by the accused Ampatuans for their personal business including massage. AND THE ACCUSED SHOULD NOT HAVE CELLPHONES, the cellphones allow them to send instructions to their sympathizers who can then offer bribes or make threats or acts of violence.
The accused use their cellphones in the courtroom? You can’t be serioussssss!
for a long time i thought the president was the most powerful official in the country, gloria arroyo seemed to wield that power with impunity and no fear of consequences. now it seems the president is powerless to do anything…i really thought that this time around all those powers could have been used for doing good with impunity. for once can we see the bad guys go to prison for a change? lets see gloria behind bars this time! let her suffer the same fate as the former president, the officers who withdrew support the magdalo…let her family go through the challenges of visiting someone in detention…if there is still justice at all…and lets dissolve the current supreme court and make a new one because this one doesn’t work, what does it take? i’m sure there’s something in the constitution, if not, its time for amendments!
juggernaut: some dictators would convene a kangaroo court to get to the end-result the dictator wants.
The longer this case is delayed, the more people are concerned about the outcome. Hindi naman magaling na abogado itong si Atty. Fortun. Puro mayayaman ang clients niya at dinadaan sa pera at lagay para mapanalo ang kaso. Any average lawyer could do what he’d doing. Isa pa, asawa niya ang Forensic expert na si Dra. Racquel Fortun. May advantage si Atty. Fortun sa mga criminal cases dahil sa asawa niya na expert sa pasikot-sikot ng evidence. I’m sure he has been getting tips from the wife.
Actually, brother-in-law siya ni Raquel Fortun.
Yan yung babaeng nagsabi na labi daw nila Dacer-Corbito yung mga butong sabi ni Dr. Ungria ay animal skull, and negative for human DNA. At habang nasa panig ng mga Dacer si Raquel, si Sig naman ay abogado ni Michael Ray Aquino sa Philippine case.
No wonder telegraphed ang mga moves nila Ping.
Hindi ba’t yan din ang abogado ni Erap sa impeachment? Was he also a deep penetration agent for the Glue?
According to the comment at this site,
abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/21/10/vilified-philippine-massacre-lawyer-defends-himself
Raquel Fortun is a government consultant in the Ampatuan case. Isn’t there a conflict of interest there?
juggernaut: some dictators would convene a kangaroo court to get to the end-result the dictator wants.
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you can say that again! the supreme court is another kangaroo made to look legal by gloria’s machinations…
Kangaroo courts should not be allowed. Maybe Persi-Noynoy can send troops or Rico Puno’s PNP to arrest the Chief Justice and to shut down Pilipinas Supreme court; then Presi-Noynoy can create his own court (which, of course, will NOT be a kangaroo court. LABAN!!!! Onward, yellow!!!
i keep hearing in my kid’s pc game the words “history is written by the victor” whether or not its a kangaroo court is relative, what is important is that drastic changes for the better is made, if it means grabbing these hoodlums in robes and lining them up in front of the firing squad then so be it! you can also join them…if you like…
that is if anyone has the guts to do so…
Thanks Sax for the correction. Obviously, there’s conflict of interest.