a DaY oF rEMeMbRAnCe . . . .mAgUiNdAnAO MaSsACre

Today was declared by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as the  National day of Remembrance  for the victims of Maguindanao massacre under the Presidential Proclamation 73.

Exactly a year ago, 57 Filipinos, including 32 members of the media, were killed while en route to the local Commision on Elections office to file a gubernatorial certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town.

This was the time Mangudadatu was contesting the candidacy of Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is part of Maguindanao’s ruling political family and who is now the principal accused in the massacre case.

I had the opportunity to attend a mass offered for the victims who still seeks justice of the horrible incident in the history of media and political. 

Many members of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines here in Cotabato City attended the mass held at the lobby of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation and it was followed by lighting of candles in support to the call for justice.

Fr. Elmer Dela Cruz officiated the mass and Mr. Edwin Fernandez, NDBC’s station manager also joined the gathering.