Text by: Gypsygal Prime

Photos by Avi Olarte: Taken November 25 during the National Day of Indignation organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

I need to deviate from my usual travel posts, as no working journalist can remain apathetic given such atrocity. The Maguindanao massacre – which involved the murder of 30 journalists – has been described as by the International Federation of Journalists as “the biggest single atrocity against journalists in recent history.”

A week after the murder, the top suspect has been arrested and members of the powerful political clan being investigated and just about anyone can’t hide their outrage against the perpetrators (“para lang silang pumatay ng lamok, one of my colleagues told me). I don’t know if they’re human. I can’t call them animals, because that’s an insult to my pet cat. And I don’t think even the devil will appreciate being compared to them.

It’s very hard to just forget and let the courts decide. In a country which prides itself for having the freest press in Asia, it’s ironic that several journalists have been killed in the line of duty. A lot of people, it seems don’t appreciate a critical press or a journalist who’s just doing his/her job . Walang traba-trabaho, lahat personal.

Several analysts have already offered their explanation behind such audacity. You can read them here, here , and here. In an nutshell, it all boils down to a culture of impunity — They can do this because they can . And as long as such culture persists no one can stop the killings – not only of journalists but also of anyone who will dare stand on their way.

Which is why it’s important to remain vigilant and to continue pressuring the government and all our institutions to ensure that justice will be done. I hope I can do my part as a journalist not only by blogging about it, or constantly updating and editing reports on the massacre, but also to join protest actions to ensure that justice will at least be done.

The massacre, after all, is not just an assault to press freedom, but also a crime against humanity.

Note: The National Union of Journalists of The Philippines, the November 23 Movement and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are inviting friends and colleagues to take part in the International Day of Action against Impunity – a collective expression of outrage against the killings of journalists and innocent civilians in Maguindanao and the call for justice for all victims. They will be holding a presscon and a rally in December 9. Please check out for more details.http://nujp.wordpress.com/