COMMEMORATION. Andrea Jayme (right), sister of Bacolod-born lawyer Concepcion “Connie” Jayme-Brizuela, one of the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, joins the commemoration of the event’s 11th year led by the Negros Press Club in Bacolod City on Monday afternoon (Nov. 23, 2020). Local journalists lighted 58 candles symbolizing the number of lives lost during the gruesome murders. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Press Club (NPC) here lighted 58 candles symbolizing the number of lives lost in the Maguindanao Massacre to mark the 11th year of the grisly killing on Monday.
“On this day, a decade and a year ago, 58 persons, including 32 journalists and media workers, lost their lives during an election-related coverage. The NPC remembers the gruesome murders as one of the darkest moments in the history of Philippine media,” the NPC, headed by president Glazyl Masculino, said in a statement.
In the afternoon, immediate past president Chrysee Samillano led the wreath-laying and candle-lighting rites held at the Marker of the Fallen Journalists at the Bacolod Public Plaza. They were joined by the other club officers and local journalists.
This year’s commemoration is the first since the brains behind the massacre were convicted in court on Dec. 19, 2019.
Eight members of the Ampatuan clan and 20 others were found guilty for 57 counts of murder and meted with the penalty of reclusion perpetua, each equivalent to a maximum imprisonment of 40 years.
Among the victims were Negrense radioman Ernesto “Bart” Maravilla Jr. and Bacolod-born lawyer Concepcion “Connie” Jayme-Brizuela, who also once worked as a broadcaster.
Brizuela’s sister, Andrea Jayme, who attended the commemoration rites, said she still feels sad losing her sister, but believes that she died of a worthy cause.
Although she welcomed last year’s verdict, Jayme expressed hopes that the others involved in the crime will also be brought to justice.
In the statement, the NPC also called for continued vigilance after “justice has been served” to the victims and their families.
“We call on our colleagues to remain watchful as we stand for a free and responsible press. While staying mindful of our safety and welfare, let us continue to uphold the journalism principles and be guided always of the profession's ethical standards,” the NPC said in the statement.
“We hope that the dedication and commitment of the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre will continue to inspire us in pursuing our mission as journalists,” it added. (PNA)
