DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/22 November) – If you’re online — whether in the Philippines or abroad — can you spare a few seconds to demand justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre and an end to impunity?
Go visit http://asiapacific.ifj.org/en/pages/ampatuan-massacre-justice-now now and send your e-protest postcard to President Benigno Aquino III.
The campaign, launched by the the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippiens (NUJP), is part of the November 23 Global Day of Action to mark the first anniversary of the “world’s single biggest atrocity perpetrated against journalists” in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
The IFJ and NUJP are calling on “all journalists, media workers and their friends and colleagues” to visit the webpage below and send an e-postcard to Aquino.
“This simple action is one more way we can demand the Philippine government to deliver justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Town Massacre, and bring an end to the culture of impunity that has allowed the country to rank among the most dangerous in the world for media workers,” the campaign letter states.
“Please take the time to send a message and visit the IFJ Asia-Pacific website and Facebook page for more information and other ways to participate in activities for the November 23 Global Day of Action,” the IFJ Asia-Pacific invitation says.
The e-postcard has this message:
Dear President Aquino,
Your election as President in 2010 presents an opportunity for the Philippines to turn a new page and end the impunity that has plagued your country for decades.
Since the horrific massacre of 58 people in Ampatuan Town, Maguindanao on November 23, 2009, where 32 journalists were among the dead, killings, threats and attacks on journalists continue across the Philippines.
During the eight-year tenure of your predecessor, Gloria Arroyo, at least 75 journalists were murdered, but only four convictions have been secured.
We respectfully call on you to rectify this deplorable record, and for your Government to actively uphold a commitment to justice and a truly free press in the Philippines.”
Nationwide, journalists are preparing for Tuesday’s commemoration with masses, rallies, protest marches, candle-lighting, photo exhibits, conferences, while representatives of journalists worldwide will join families of the victims of the massacre in a visit to the massacre site in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. (MindaNews)