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[av_heading heading=’Slow trial of Maguindanao Massacre upsets journos ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY RANIE AZUE
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BACOLOD City – The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) expressed its dismay over the slow pace of trial against the suspects in the Maguindanao Massacre.
NUJP-Bacolod head Marchel Espina said it has been eight years since the “worst election-related violence in Philippine history” yet the pursuit of justice still continues.
On Nov. 23, 2009, 58 people – including journalists – faced a gruesome death in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Espina stressed the important role of media members “especially in a society where there is a culture of impunity.”
“At this time and age, in the era of fake news, we need an independent press who will serve as the watchdog of society,” Espina added.
Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu (Maguindanao) on Tuesday stressed the need to resolve the cases filed against the suspects which includes late Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his sons.
“I am not here for a blame game. I just want to remind everybody that we are still here waiting for justice to be served. We are fervently asking for your help because the case is still pending and progressing very slow,” Mangudadatu said.
The case is being tried by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Regional Trial Court Branch 221 in Quezon City.
Members of NUJP-Bacolod and the Negros Press Club will join the nationwide commemoration of the Maguindanao Massacre today.
The media groups will have a torch parade around the public plaza – on Gonzaga, Gatuslao, Rizal and San Juan streets – at 5 p.m.
The parade will be followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and offering of prayers at the Marker of the Fallen Journalists at the plaza.
Mass communication students and campus journalists are also expected to join the commemoration./PN
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