PTFoMS vows to ensure justice is served for Maguindanao massacre victims

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) vowed Saturday that it would tirelessly pursue justice for the victims of the Maguinanao massacre, making the promise on the 15th anniversary of the deadliest attack against journalists in the country.

In a statement, the PTFoMS assured that the Marcos administration remains committed to support the media "in defending the truth and addressing the demands of a modern press."

"We remember the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice prevails, and that the Philippines remains a safe place for journalists to work," the PTFoMS said.

The task force stated four promises on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Maguinanao massacre, namely:

• Strengthen efforts to prevent and address media killings and violence.
• Enhance coordination among government agencies and media organizations, especially at the local level.
• Promote a culture of safety and respect for press freedom.
• Ensure that justice is served for all victims of attacks against media workers.

"We call on all sectors of society to join us in upholding press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists," the PTFoMS said, adding that, "A free press is essential to a functioning democracy, and we must all contribute to ensuring that journalists can do their jobs without fear of reprisal."

A total of 58 people, including 32 journalists, were killed in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009. The media workers were accompanying relatives and supporters of Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu who were on their way to file the latter's certificate of candidacy for governor.

The members of the convoy were stopped at a checkpoint and were reportedly forced to go up the hills of Sitio Masalay, shot using high-powered firearms, and buried in shallow graves using a backhoe.

Last Sunday, families of journalists who were killed in the incident visited the massacre site in Barangay Salman and held a Mass in honor of their departed kin.

According to a report by GMA Regional TV News, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) reported that 44 suspects of the massacre have been convicted as of 2022, while 88 remain at large.

"The massacre, one of the single deadliest attacks on journalists worldwide, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers media workers face in pursuit of truth and accountability. It underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and action to ensure such a tragedy never happens again," the PTFoMS said.

The task force said, "We remember the victims, honor their memory, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and freedoms of journalists in the Philippines."

Former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director general Jose Torres Jr. recently assumed the leadership of the PTFoMS. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez announced his appointment on Nov. 14. — VDV, GMA Integrated News