Impunity lingers, 15 years after Maguindanao massacre

Fifteen years after the Philippines witnessed the deadliest single attack on journalists in history, the country remains one of the most dangerous in the world for media practitioners, according to Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders.

- By ARTEMIO DUMLAO

In a report on the 115th anniversary of the so-called Ampatuan Massacre in Maguindanao, RSF said the Philippine government should "take decisive action to end impunity for crimes against the press." The massacre, perpetrated by the Ampatuan family, targeted the rival Mangudadatu clan, left 58 people dead including 32 journalists. It was "the largest massacre of journalists in history," the RSF said. Members of the Mangudadatu family, their supporters, and members of the media were on their way to Shariff Aguak town to file certificate of candidacy for Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu when they were ambushed.

“It is appalling that, 15 years after this unspeakable massacre, the Philippines is still one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, with 43 more media professionals murdered since,” Cédric Alviani RSF’s Asia-Pacific bureau director said.