AMSL joins action against impunity
AMSL members (left to right) Erna Gorne, Ebec Cadavos, Jade Nombrado, Monching Buyser, Bong Pedalino. Photo by Jani Arnaiz
By Jani Arnaiz
First posted 17:40 December 9, 2009
MAASIN CITY – Members of the Associated Media of Southern Leyte (AMSL) joined the Global Day of Solidarity on Wednesday, by planting a tree at the backyard of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office located at a city government owned lot at the reclamation area.
AMSL members during candle lighting activity.
Instead of marching, the group decided to pray and planted an avocado tree, “as a symbol of hope for the remaining journalists who were orphaned by the 30 colleagues killed in Maguindanao Massacre,” said Erna Gorne of PIA.
This writer, who heads the AMSL suggested that we will look up to what the group can do for the sister of Bengie Adolfo, one of those killed in the massacre.
Bengie's mother Cabing and sister Zandra at the funeral. Photo By Jani Arnaiz
Adolfo, who was listed in the official list of journalists killed, hails from Hindang, Leyte, 50 km from this city.
He has a half sister by his mother, who he sends to school before his death. His father died fifteen years ago.
On Friday, last week, members of AMSL also prayed and lighted candles at the foot of Jose Rizal monument at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.
In a statement in his Facebook account, NUJP chairman Nestor Burgos says Filipino journalists are grateful for the flood of support that has already been expressed from around the world.
“It has helped enormously. But we want all journalists to join us, to band together, to end this culture of impunity over journalist killings. Filipino journalists are now trying to function in a violent atmosphere in the lead-up to crucial elections on May 10, 2010,” he says.
30 journalists have been confirmed dead and one missing out of a total 57 people massacred by around 100 armed men on the 23rd November. The convoy was travelling across country to nominate a candidate for the May elections when they were confronted by gunmen from the Ampatuan clan who subsequently murdered everyone and buried their bodies in shallow pits.
This is the biggest single atrocity against journalists on record.
