Kin of Maguindanao massacre victims recall horror, struggles

Family members of three Maguindanao massacre victims could not forget the scars and pain that they carried for the past 10 years as they recalled one of the bloodiest political killings in Southeast Asia.

"Masakit pa sa amin, hanggang ngayon, 'yung pinakahuli silang nakuha dahil buhay sila nung ibinaon at nung binaon sila hinulog pa ang van nila," Editha Tiamson said, in between tears, in a "24 Oras" report by Cecille Villarosa on Wednesday, the eve of the promulgation of the verdict.

Tiamson grieved for her husband, Daniel, who was one of the victims of the massacre.

Ivy Oreda's sibling Jephone Cadadagon was about to get married, but his wedding plans did not push through.

"Du'n nakalibing po siya kasama nung asawa ni Toto, pati 'yung sasakyan na sinakyan nila. Siya 'yung matagal nahukay," Oreda shared.

Frances Merisco, the daughter of media worker Rey Merisco, admitted that it was difficult growing up without a father. The incident claimed the life of her father when she was eight years old.

×

Need a wellness break? Sign up for The Boost!

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and wellness reads.

Please enter a valid email address

Sign Up

Your email is safe with us

"Mahirap po. Kasi po 'yung ibang mga bata po may tatay po sila. Tapos ako po, walang Papa na kasama habang lumalaki po. 'Yung Mama ko lang po 'yung tumataguyod sa akin," she said.

On Thursday this week, Tiamson, Oreda and Merisco will attend the promulgation of judgment on the Maguindanao massacre case — one that has dragged on for nine years.

The three wished for justice to be on their side. 

"Hindi namin alam 'yung kalaban namin, mapera sila. Pero ang  panalangin namin, may awa ang Panginoon sa 'min na sa amin kakampi ang hustisya," said Tiamson

"Mayaman man sila kahit gaano pa kadami ang pera nila, sana po. Bukas na po, 'yan na po sana ang huli naming nahantay, na may hustisya na kaming makamit," Oreda said.

The massacre is blamed on the Ampatuan family, which has dominated politics in Maguindanao for over a decade. A witness, Lakmudin Saliao, testified in September 2010 that the massacre was planned over a family gathering during which the patriarch, Andal Ampatuan Sr., asked how they could prevent a challenge by their political rival, Esmael Mangudadatu, for the Maguindanao governor post.

Implicated in the massacre were three of Ampatuan Sr.'s sons. Ampatuan Sr. died while in detention.

Mangudadatu, who lost his wife and two sisters in the carnage, went on to become governor of Maguindanao. Currently, he is a congressman representing the province in the House of Representatives.

It was about 2 on Wednesday afternoon when Zaldy Ampatuan, one of the accused, was discharged from Makati Medical Center. He was confined in the cardiovascular intensive care unit for two months after getting a stroke.

Malacañang is hoping that after 10 years, justice will prevail in the case. —Angelica Yang/LDF/KBK, GMA News