Maguindanao Massacre remembered

The Philippines observed the 16th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre on Sunday, with media groups and a government task force honoring the 58 victims and renewing calls for full justice in one of the deadliest election-related attacks in history.

The tragedy, which occurred on 23 November 2009, claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has said that it stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and the media community.

“We remember and honor the 58 lives lost, including 32 journalists and media workers who were doing their job — seeking truth and reporting it to the nation,” the agency said. “Their sacrifice reminds us of the dangers faced by media professionals in the pursuit of press freedom.”

While convictions were secured against key suspects, including members of the powerful Ampatuan family, for multiple counts of murder, PTFoMS cited that legal appeals remain pending and pledged to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure legal processes are followed and to pursue full accountability.

“This is not just a plea for retribution; it is a strong demand for accountability, for an end to impunity, and for assurance that such an act never happens again,” said the agency.

Meantime, the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also commemorated the anniversary, reaffirming its call for full justice and the continued protection of the press.

NPC president Leonel Abasola underscored that while partial convictions have been achieved, the fight for complete justice remains unfulfilled, as other perpetrators are still at large.

“This commemoration is not only a remembrance of lives lost, but a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold truth, protect media workers, and ensure that such an atrocity never happens again,” Abasola said.

He stressed that recent attacks on media practitioners highlight that some individuals, particularly those in power, still view the press as a threat to accountability.

Abasola announced that a one-hectare parcel of land, donated by a coordinator, would be given to the victims’ heirs. He also congratulated the daughter of one victim, Marife “Neneng” Montano, who recently passed her licensing exam to become a pharmacist.

In other developments, media groups in Panay organized a candle-lighting vigil at the Graciano Lopez Jaena Statue in Jaro Plaza to remember the victims.

The gathering, which included the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Panay, served as an act of both mourning and resistance. Organizers warned that press freedom remains under constant threat and stressed that the vigil was a declaration that the media will not be silenced.

The Maguindanao Massacre remains recognized globally as the deadliest single attack on journalists.