Funerals Held for Journalists Killed in Philippines Massacre

On November 23, gunmen attacked a convoy of the wife, sisters and relatives of a local politician planning to run for election next year. Among them were an escort of lawyers and journalists. 57 were left dead.

The election-related massacre brought the highest number of media casualties in a single day.

And on Friday, the journalists who were killed in the attack were laid to rest.

[Philip Salarda, Radio Journalist]:
"We hope that the death of the people we are burying today will bring back democracy in Maguindanao. Be it as it may, in exchange for the lives of these people, if only justice can return, as well as sanity, and decency of governance."

Eight of the journalists were buried in a mass grave in the southern General Santos City.

The victims' relatives released white balloons after the caskets were lowered to the ground.

Most of the journalists who perished were their families' breadwinners. They left children, parents and siblings who are still struggling to come to terms with the brutal killings.

The victims' families and friends are seeking justice.

Sympathizers at the funeral wore black shirts with "Stop Killing Journalists" printed on it.

Thirty of the 57 victims of the attack were journalists working for local media outlets.

Andal Ampatuan, Jr., a town mayor and son of a powerful politician, and several unidentified suspects, face 25 counts of murder.

They were accused of conspiracy in the massacre of a rival politician's family, journalists and other civilians.

On Thursday, Philippine soldiers found weapons in Ampatuans property.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• ntd
• NTDTV
• News
• Funerals
• Journalists
• Killed
• Philippines
• Massacre
• democracy
• Maguindanao
• Santos
• conspiracy
• mayor
• politician

[jimuteno]

@yesiserve Justice delayed is justice denied. We need the PUNISHER!

[yesiserve]

Ano na ba nangyari sa kaso ng mga Ampatuan ngayon? I barely hear their case na sa local news. Well, God is not blind to this horrific tragedy. Justice will be served.

[ashiee2012]

well they was just doing the most over there. dang.it pisses me off at how people think they have a right to take away a life. no one can replace a life unless they are God. plus, what did he accomplish from killing all those people. nothing but a guilty conscience, criminal record, and hatred from all of the victims' families and loved ones. ashame what our world has become over materialistic and insignificant things than come and go all the time....smh

[picatooakal]

@pnai24qc Katulad mo mag isip ang mga korupt na mga opisyal.

[Scorpion49974]

Damn. I came from the Philippines, back then anyone who needed help, got help.

In wars no one was left behind.

[quickzilver333]

Actually the Philippines is a prospering country compared to what it was 20yrs. ago. The biggest problem we have is a diseas of corrupt government officials. They have sold our pride. My grandfather always says back then filipinos were proud and will never turn their back on a fellowmen now we turn our back on those who needed help.

[kwmkc13]

Gotta beat those bad guys down. Do some Justice there!

[JohnAlthani]

This is how corrupt and unbalanced the law is here.UNDER THE GROUND!

[pnai24qc]

sana sa iskwater kayo magmasacre para naman mabawas ang problema ng bansa.

[mayimbin]

poor people