CLARK FREEPORT -- Journalists and members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NJUP) held Saturday a candlelit ceremony commemorating the second month of the Maguindanao massacre.
The simple, emotional and solemn rite was held at Holiday Inn Resort in this Freeport and was supported by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).
The CMFR, led by its Executive Director Melinda Quintos de Jesus, was holding a seminar on human rights for local journalists in the hotel and culminated it by remembering the Maguindanao tragedy with the ceremony.
At least 57 people, including 30 journalists, were killed in the carnage that occurred last November 23, 2009.
Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council chair and Secretary Ed Pamintuan joined the journalists in condemning the tragedy which, according to him, was a clear violation of press freedom and a blatant attack on truth and human rights.
Broadcaster Fred Villegas, vice chair of NJUP Pampanga chapter, said the commemoration was meant to draw attention to the two-month old, still unsolved killings of fellow journalists in Maguindanao.
The CMFR tendered dinner for the journalists who participated in the commemorative rites. (Jovi T. De Leon)