Text and photos by KARLOS MANLUPIG
Bulatlat.com

AMPATUAN, Maguindanao — Marking the first year since the massacre of 58 people in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao, thousands troop to Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, to pay tribute and demand justice for the victims.



The families of the victims offered flowers, candles and prayers and demand for the speedy resolution of the case. The families were joined by various human-rights and media groups led by Alliance Against Impunity in Mindanao, InPeace Mindanao, Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.



Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima attended the commemoration rites and read President Benigno Aquino III’s message for the victims.



Thousands including foreign delegates paid respects to the victims of the massacre.



Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu addresses the public during the commemoration rites.

(Bulatlat.com)