The number of journalists confirmed dead in the massacre that took place in the Philippines’ southern province of Maguindanao last Monday had grown to 21 by 6 p.m. today, the Manila-based Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) told IPI earlier this evening.
A total of 34 journalists are believed to have been part of a convoy that was intercepted by over 100 gunmen at a roadside police checkpoint in Maguindanao, on Mindanao Island, CMFR said. The convoy was travelling to file candidacy papers for gubernatorial candidate and local mayor Esmael Mangudadatu in Maghuindanao. Esmael Mangudadatu was not on board the convoy.
As of today, police found the dead bodies of 57 persons that were travelling with the convoy. The bodies were dug out of shallow graves close to the checkpoint.
“We urge President Arroyo and other Philippines’ high ranking officials to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible for this massacre,” said IPI Director David Dadge. “The democratic process in the Phiippines cannot be allowed to be undermined by individuals who act without conscience or respect for life.”
The following journalists are among those confirmed dead, according to local sources: Ian Subang (Dadiangas Times), Leah Dalmacio (Forum), Gina dela Cruz (Today), Marites Cablitas (Today), Joy Duhay (UNTV), Henry Araneta (DZRH), Andy Teodoro (Mindanao Inquirer), Neneng Montaño (formerly of RGMA), Bong Reblando (Manila Bulletin), Victor Nuñez (UNTV), Macmac Ariola (UNTV), Jimmy Cabillo (UNTV), Bart Maravilla (Bombo Radyo, Koronadal), Rey Merisco (MindaNews), Bienvenido Lagarte (Sierra News).
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that police have named Andal Ampatuan Jr., a member of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s ruling coalition, the top suspect in the massacre; however, no arrests have been made so far. Meanwhile, President Arroyo has promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Andal Ampatuan Jr. is the mayor of Datu Unsay in Maguindanao province and a political opponent to Esmael Mangudadatu. His father, Andal Ampatuan Sr, is the provincial governor and commands his own private army. According to an article on The Inquirer’s website, “Ampatuan Sr. had been grooming his son to take over as governor of Maguindanao, and the victims’ relatives have alleged the Ampatuans organized the murders so that Mangudadatu would not run for governor.”
In addition to the journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre, IPI has counted 58 journalists killed in the Philippines in the past 10 years in connection with their profession.
