Author Topic: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao  (Read 3134 times)

MikeLigalig.com

  • FOUNDER
  • Webmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 33285
  • Please use the share icons below
    • View Profile
    • Book Your Tickets on a Budget
35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« on: November 24, 2009, 11:38:28 PM »
By Aquiles Zonio
Inquirer Mindanao

TACURONG CITY, Philippines—Ian Subang, a long-time friend and former colleague in the now defunct Gensan Media Cooperative, was in his usual jovial mood, poking fun and exchanging jokes with us.

Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, Manila Bulletin reporter covering the Socsksargen area—South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos—was, as always, in his fighting mood—insistent and persistent with his own opinion.

He always came late to media events, the reason why we used to tease him "The Late" Bong Reblando. Now, he will forever be called such.

That was last Monday morning, a few hours before the mass killing took place in Maguindanao province.

The painful truth that these guys together with 32 other media colleagues met death in the hands of a ruthless band of goons just won’t sink into my consciousness, not even now.

Ian would usually play the role of a clown and he could easily make anyone in the group smile with his jokes.

Bong, the most senior among us, was contented with the role of big brother to us. He was already a radio reporter when I was in high school way back in the 1980s.

Early Monday morning, a few hours before they were abducted and slaughtered, we were enjoying a breakfast of "pastel"— a kind of stew—served to us by our host.

An intense yet cordial exchange of ideas ensued as this reporter, Reblando and two other journalists discussed with ARMM Assemblyman Khadafy Mangudadatu the security concerns and the scenarios that may arise later that day.

Subang and his group, including several other reporters, were gathered outside the living room of Mangudadatu’s mansion in Buluan town, Maguindanao.

They were waiting for the result of our brainstorming inside. There were just six of us in that discussion—Mangudadatu legal counsel Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon, Khadafy, Reblando, Joseph Jubelag, Paul Bernaldez and myself.

We were insisting that reporters covering the scheduled filing of certificate of candidacy of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu must be assured of their safety. Toto is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in Maguindanao.

Toto had requested for security escorts from Chief Superintendent Paisal Umpa, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police regional director, but his request was turned down.

He turned to the Philippine Army for help but his request was also denied.

Had the police or military provided security escorts, the mass slaughter of defenseless women and journalists might have been prevented.

According to the Mangudadatus, a week before the massacre, there were massive movements of the Ampatuan’s armed followers—police, civilian volunteers and Cafgu members—in the area.

Believing in the power of the media, Mangudadatu, who felt helpless then, asked help from the media.

He requested several journalists—through Henry Araneta of DZRH—to cover the scheduled filing of his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Araneta managed to invite 37 journalists from the cities of General Santos, Tacurong and Koronadal.

“Maybe, they will not harm us if journalists are watching them,” Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu disclosed that he organized a group of women led by his wife, Genalyn, elder sister Vice Mayor Eden Mangudadatu of Mangudadatu town, Bai Farinna Mangudadatu, the youngest of the Mangudadatu siblings, and lawyers Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon and Connie Brizuela.

The gubernatorial aspirant claimed reports had reached him that the Ampatuans had threatened to chop him into pieces once he filed his COC with the Comelec.

“Under our tradition, Muslim women are being respected. They should not be harmed just like innocent children and the elders,” Mangudadatu stressed.

Governor Andal Ampatuan ran unopposed in the 2007 elections.

Mangudadatu claimed that the Ampatuans were considered above the law, warlords and political demigods in Maguindanao.

But, he said, someone must come to the fore to bring about change and improve the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

He said that women from Buluan should be the ones to file his COC, no security escorts, only journalists to avoid creating tension.

Eden, along with his sister-in-law and younger sister, was in a jovial mood before the departure. She was saying that Muslim women should play a more active role in Maguindanao politics to attain genuine social change and economic progress.

“This is women power in action. Let’s help our men chart a better future for the province,” she was heard as saying.

We were confident nothing bad would happen as some of us in the convoy had been frequent visitors to the Maguindanao provincial capitol.

Even while inside the vehicles, the group enjoyed each other’s company. There was no hint of the heartbreaking and vicious fate awaiting them.

All in all, there were 58 persons—37 journalists, 16 Muslim women who handcarried Mangudadatu’s COC and five drivers—in the convoy.

After several attempts, I was able to contact Major General Alfredo Cayton, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, through a mobile phone.

He gave an assurance that the national highway going to Shariff Aguak had already been cleared and was safe for travel. He even added that police checkpoints littered the long route from Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat to Shariff Aguak.

Five convoy vehicles left Buluan around 9:30 a.m. Monday. The lead vehicle was an L-300 van of UNTv.

Aside from UNTv reporter Victor Nuñez, his cameraman and driver, Paul Bernaldez and myself joined in.

However, while the convoy was refuelling in Buluan, I decided to transfer to Joseph Jubelag’s vehicle to accompany him. Bernaldez followed suit.

The five-vehicle convoy went ahead and we just told them we will follow right away.

We decided to drop by BF Lodge in Tacurong City where we stayed the night before to get some valuables and meet some personal necessities.

I didn’t expect that such digression would save our lives. I should have been there. I should have been killed together with them.

Two hotel attendants approached me and revealed that two unidentified men riding on separate motorcycles had left barely three minutes earlier.

The hotel personnel claimed the two men were asking for the names of journalists covering Mangudadatu’s filing of COC.

Luckily, the hotel management did not give any name.

This made us change our minds and we decided not to go to Shariff Aguak.

On our way back to Buluan, we tried several times but failed to establish contact with our media colleagues in the convoy.

Upon arrival in Buluan, the vice mayor told us that all the five vehicles had been seized by the Ampatuans’ armed followers.

Not only journalists, family members, relatives and supporters of Mangudadatus were abducted and killed.

Military sources disclosed that several other innocent motorists from Buluan and Tacurong City were seized and summarily executed on mere suspicion that they, too, were followers of the Mangudadatus.

Out of the 34 journalists abducted and brutally killed, only 25 were identified.

They were Ian Subang, Leah Dalmacio, Gina Dela Cruz and Maritess Cablitas, all of Mindanao Focus, a General Santos City-based weekly community newspaper; Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo-Koronadal City; Jhoy Duhay of Mindanao Goldstar Daily; Henry Araneta of DZRH and Andy Teodoro of Central Mindanao Inquirer.

Neneng Montano of Saksi weekly newspaper; Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of Manila Bulletin; Victor Nuñez of UnTv; Macmac Arriola, UnTV cameraman; and Jimmy Cabillo, a radioman based in Koronadal City.

Rey Merisco, Ronnie Perante, Jun Legarta, Val Cachuela and Humberto Mumay, all Koronadal City-based journalists.

Joel Parcon, Noel Decena, John Caniba, Art Belia, Ranie Razon and Nap Salaysay.

On Monday evening, gory scenes of slain media colleagues kept flashing in my mind. I didn’t have a decent sleep, for the very first time in my life.

Once again, several working journalists shed their blood in the name of press freedom.

This, however, will not deter us or discourage us from doing our job as journalists.

Underpaid and under threat, be that as it may, we will continue answering the call of our beloved profession.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
John 3:16-18 ESV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

👉 GET easy and FAST online loan at www.tala.com Philippines

Book tickets anywhere for planes, trains, boats, bus at www.12go.co

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

AsPo

  • EXPERT
  • ***
  • Posts: 3908
  • ADMIN sa DAYONG ~ hehehe
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2009, 06:06:17 AM »
i read the news is 46 na ang confirm dead.12 journalists.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
"Let thy words be few"

fdaray

  • LUMINARY
  • ***
  • Posts: 5036
  • In my twilight days..... I shine still shine..
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2009, 08:06:50 AM »
This is the wost pre-campaign political killings we ever had. Hoping that justice will always prevail.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
Life is what you make.
Kon naa kay gisoksok, naa kay makuot.

http://feldarblogspotcom.blogspot.com/
http://darayagrifacts.blogspot.com/

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

statesville

  • EXPERT
  • ***
  • Posts: 3339
  • The best daily exercise -- walk with the Lord.
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2009, 10:23:30 AM »
It reminds me sa panahon ni Marcos nga
 dunay mga goons naglibot niya
 huwat sa iyang  mga order

Pagka tragic baya aning hitaboa
Lord have mercy

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
Every Christian has GPS -God-Provided Salvation!
It may not guide you to everywhere you want to go in this world, but it will ensure  that you arrive safely in heaven.

Boyax

  • STUDENT
  • *
  • Posts: 20
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2009, 12:46:04 PM »
Makapanlimbawot sa balhibo. 

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0

jamo2x

  • EXPERT
  • ***
  • Posts: 1948
  • enJOY life and dance as if it's your last dance
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2009, 11:12:53 PM »
"Connie Brizuela"

kaila sab ni sya sa ako amigo sa Davao...damay pud.
may she rest in everlasting peace.

and to all christians who perished in this tragedy, may they rest in peace.

mao ni rason nga di jud pwde hatagan higayon mga muklo mo angkon nga ilaha ang tibook mindanao. naa gani isa ka town sa North Cot ang Pikit, halos kada summer sunogon ang mercado....daghn muslim, pirmi giyera sa mga barrios...unsaon na lng nila pag panginabuhi. they rule as warlords with 3Gs.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
i promise you, i'll be yours forever :)

fdaray

  • LUMINARY
  • ***
  • Posts: 5036
  • In my twilight days..... I shine still shine..
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2009, 08:25:39 AM »
Raps vs Ampatuan ‘just the beginning’—Palace

‘Other Ampatuans also probed over massacre’

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:37:00 11/26/2009

Close this MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang exulted on Thursday over the surrender of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. in connection with the Maguindanao massacre, ruling out any special treatment for him.

“The taking in, inquest and the subsequent filing of charges against Datu Unsay [Mayor] Ampatuan is just the beginning,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said. “President Arroyo wants all the culprits punished without fear or favor.”

Undersecretary Lorelei Fajardo, deputy presidential spokesperson, allayed fears that Andal Jr., a known political ally of the Arroyo administration, would get VIP treatment while in government custody.

“We treat people the same way. We will follow the law,” she said in a Malacañang briefing.

Police Director Andres Caro said that investigators were not ruling out the involvement of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Governor Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the massacre.

“We are also looking into that,” the Philippine National Police director for operations said when asked in the briefing whether investigators were looking into the conspiracy.

The civilians were killed on a highway in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao, where investigators recovered a backhoe that belonged to the provincial government headed by Andal Sr.

The PNP and Malacañang, however, were hard put at explaining why the authorities opted to let Andal Jr. surrender, instead of putting the cuffs on him.

Caro admitted that Secretary Jesus Dureza, as head of the crisis management committee, was given free rein to persuade Andal Jr. to submit himself for questioning in the face of reports linking him to the crime.

“By night time (Tuesday night) the family committed to bring the mayor to Secretary Dureza. This did not materialize Wednesday but happened today,” he said.

He said that there was no order for his arrest because at the time he was not yet considered a suspect. He said it was only on Wednesday when he was considered a suspect based on witnesses' affidavits.

Fajardo clarified that Dureza did not negotiate for Andal's surrender, saying the marching order from Arroyo was for him “to get all people involved and take into custody all people involved.”

“It was Dureza's call to go to Ampatuan to determine what should be done by the committee based on the situation on the ground. The President gave her full confidence by creating the crisis committee,” she said.

“There was no negotiation or appeasement whatsoever... We should understand the very complex situation in the ground,” she added.

Caro explained the situation on the ground was complex because of several factors.

“This is an autonomous regional government area. There is actual real immediate threat from MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) groups. There are infamous reports of warlordism culture and we have to admit to thefact that some of our local security forces are in some way were or are under influence of political leaders,” he said. “We cannot trust the local forces so we have to inject troops from the outside


Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
Life is what you make.
Kon naa kay gisoksok, naa kay makuot.

http://feldarblogspotcom.blogspot.com/
http://darayagrifacts.blogspot.com/

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

Lollapalooza

  • LUMINARY
  • ***
  • Posts: 6115
  • \m/ (â—£_â—¢) \m/
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2009, 09:12:25 AM »
for me...Andal's surrender is just a publicity stunt...he was accusing the MILF to do such heinous crime...(and the spokesperson of the milf denied it since "wala sila'y backhoe" and also when it comes to politics dili sila manghilabot ana)... dili man ko panig sa milf pero ang kalaban sa M.I.s kay sundalo and the government and dili pod sila mopatay ug babae nga brutal pa gyud kaayu pagkapataya...

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
"If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud." ~ Emile Zola~  ‎(ᵔᴥᵔ)

fdaray

  • LUMINARY
  • ***
  • Posts: 5036
  • In my twilight days..... I shine still shine..
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #8 on: November 27, 2009, 09:23:25 AM »
The truth will always prevail. The Ampatuans are the brain of the killings.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
Life is what you make.
Kon naa kay gisoksok, naa kay makuot.

http://feldarblogspotcom.blogspot.com/
http://darayagrifacts.blogspot.com/

ms da binsi

  • EXECUTIVE
  • Webmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 24916
  • 2. Atheist and not afraid to burn in hell.
    • View Profile
    • https://twitter.com/daBinsi
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #9 on: November 27, 2009, 10:07:00 AM »
sus di raba na mahuman ang ilang curse kay mag domino raba ni hangtud pa sa sunod nga pila ka generation. Mag binalsanay man ni!

Klaro man kaayo ni ilang gibuhat oi! I hate to say that i prayed for their (whoever did this) failure in life! Death is not even enough for reparation.

EYE FOR AN EYE!

(sorry im so mad)

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

Chongki

  • EXPERT
  • ***
  • Posts: 3456
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #10 on: November 27, 2009, 10:11:54 AM »
in arroyos administration, most of the time the truth doesn't prevail but im still hoping that this time around it will.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0

Boyax

  • STUDENT
  • *
  • Posts: 20
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #11 on: November 27, 2009, 12:34:06 PM »
Kining nahitabo karon maoy makatug-an kon ang  administrasyon sa atong nasod pabor ba sa katawhan o sa ilang mga kaalyado nga sad-an.  Bisan unsaon pagbalibad anang ni-surrender nga suspect,  ang ilang apilyedo makita sa "backhoe" nga gigamit sa labing mangilngig nga Maguindanao Massacre.

Langitnong Amahan, lamdagi ang namunoan sa katawhan sa Maguindanao, aron sila makaila kon unsay matarong ug daotan.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0

junjun

  • STUDENT
  • *
  • Posts: 321
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #12 on: December 01, 2009, 02:41:08 PM »
This is really a manifestation of a very immoral administration who is cuddling the family of the accused. The Ampatuans are obviously guilty, tiaw bay naa pag bakho sa Provincial Government sa crime scene, alangan mag midagan tug iya. 

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0

beyotch

  • STUDENT
  • *
  • Posts: 315
  • be happy :) God is good all the time
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #13 on: December 01, 2009, 02:50:51 PM »
things are getting worsts everyday.....lots of people are overpowered by positions....and thats the harsh part of all these things....
may the souls of all the innocent victims rest in peace.....may the good lord grant them the justice each of them deserves......let's offer them prayers and prayers...
be wise in this coming election....use not our negative traits.....look for the futures welfare....and not our own intentions.....chose for the higher goodness....

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.


""""BE GLAD WE'RE ALIVE"""""

beyotch

  • STUDENT
  • *
  • Posts: 315
  • be happy :) God is good all the time
    • View Profile
Re: 35 Pinoy Journalists Slaughtered in Maguindanao
« Reply #14 on: December 01, 2009, 02:52:44 PM »
mao ni ang giingun na eye for an eye tooth for a tooth....ubusan ng lahi jud ni cla ......

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23934.0
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.


""""BE GLAD WE'RE ALIVE"""""

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

Tags: