THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) – Cagayan de Oro Chapter, in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), will hold a candle-lighting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 24, at 4 pm at the Press Freedom Monument on the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Grounds to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre — the world’s deadliest single-day attack on journalists.
According to Franck Dick Rosete, chairperson of the NUJP chapter here, the activity aims to honor the 58 victims, including 32 media workers, who were brutally killed in Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.
Rosete added that the massacre remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in the Philippines and the long struggle for justice and accountability.
For his part, Froilan Gallardo, COPC president, challenged local news media to turn grief into action and turn remembrance into resolve.
“We must insist — loudly, persistently — that freedom of expression is not a luxury but a foundation. We must insist that press freedom is not negotiable but necessary,” COPC's statement reads in part.
This, Gallardo added, means protecting journalists from violence and intimidation, strengthening legal safeguards that keep the media independent, and building institutions that hold power to account rather than shelter it.
Ahead of the vigil, organizers will host a short discussion at 2 pm with young reporters and members of the campus press. The session will revisit key facts surrounding the massacre, its impact on press freedom, and the continuing challenges journalists confront today.
”The initiative seeks to educate emerging journalists and strengthen their understanding of the importance of defending media rights,” said Rosete.
Media practitioners, students, and concerned citizens are encouraged to join the commemoration and continue the call for full justice for all 58 victims.
