The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) on Sunday commemorated the Ampatuan Massacre, reaffirming its call for full justice, accountability, and the continued protection of press freedom in the country.
On this day in 2009, 58 individuals — 32 of whom were journalists — were brutally murdered in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, in what remains the deadliest attack on journalists in world history.
Sixteen years after the tragedy, the NPC underscored that while partial convictions have been achieved, the fight for complete justice has yet to be fulfilled as other perpetrators remain 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,” NPC President Leonel Abasola said.
Abasola added that recent attacks on media practitioners remind the public that there are still those — especially in positions of power — who see the press as a threat to truth and accountability. He stressed that these incidents show the urgent need to strengthen protections for journalists and to firmly defend freedom of expression.
“Ang NPC po ay masigasig sa paghahanap ng hustisya at hindi din natin pinabayaan ang mga kamag-anak nito, katunayan isang anak ng biktima ay pumasa na bilang pharmacist, binabati natin si Rhukkymae Montano anak ni Marife ‘Neneng’ Montano,” Abasola said. (“The NPC is persistent in seeking justice, and we have not neglected the families. In fact, a victim’s daughter recently passed the pharmacist board exam. We congratulate Rhukkymae Montano, daughter of Marife ‘Neneng’ Montano.”)
Abasola also announced that a one-hectare parcel of land located in Barangay Maan, T’boli, South Cotabato, donated by Rose Tamayo, NOC coordinator for Visayas and Mindanao, will be given to the heirs of the victims.
“Journalists must remain vigilant, courageous, and committed to practicing the highest standards of ethics and professionalism,” Abasola said.
“In honoring the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre, we also reaffirm our duty to ensure that truth-telling continues despite intimidation, harassment, or violence.”
The NPC called on government institutions, civil society, and the public to stand united in demanding full justice for all victims and in creating an environment where media workers can perform their duties without fear.