Court finds Andal Ampatuan et al. guilty
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomed the decision as initial victory in the long quest for justice.
The Ampatuan Massacre, often referred to as Maguindanao Massacre by the corporate media, is the single deadliest event for journalists in recent history and the worst election-related violence. On November 23, 2009, armed men killed 58 individuals upon the order of the powerful Ampatuan clan. Thirty-two were journalists and media workers.
Bulatlat chronicled the families’ fight for justice until a partial victory was achieved on December 19, 2019. Scores of other suspects remain at large, and the factors that led to the gruesome tragedy remain.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomed the decision as initial victory in the long quest for justice.
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“In this [Ampatuan] case, our criminal justice system is not working. The much-needed reforms in our institutions never happened.” Harry Roque, lawyer for the families of 14 victims
“I am sad but also happy to know that many people continue to support our fight for justice.” – widow of Ampatuan massacre victim

By RONALYN V. OLEA
“If the Massacre has made anything clear, it is the difficulty of obtaining justice through a judicial system hostage to technicalities and susceptible to the crafty manipulation of lawyers” – Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility

By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The case of the Ampatuan massacre is not just a matter of prosecuting individuals. It also requires the neutralization of the whole machinery of violence and brutality that is fueled by power, political influence and wealth.” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima

By RONALYN V. OLEA
In a resolution adopted by 390 delegates, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters condemned, in the strongest terms possible, the culture of impunity in the Philippines.

By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA
Despite the deplorable conditions, the evacuees were unable to return to their homes because of the climate of fear that prevails to this day. Although heavily militarized, reports of the continued presence of the Ampatuan clan’s private army still persist.

By RONALYN V. OLEA
“While we respect the view that a trial by publicity can be detrimental to the accused, we fail to see how that can happen in this case. The Ampatuan case is extremely important for the public, the media and the relatives of the victims. The media and the public -- particularly those who live outside Metro Manila and who can only follow the proceedings through the media -- need to know exactly what is going on inside the courtroom."

By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
In this Q&A, Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town, Maguindanao, talks about the Ampatuan massacre and how the Ampatuans ruled the province. "They made business out of the votes. They extorted money out of the senatorial candidates who were campaigning in Maguindanao by selling votes to them," he said. He also wished that there would be no whitewash in the case against them.

By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
The failure of investigators to secure the crime scene, the apparent contamination of forensic evidence, and the weak rebellion case filed against the perpetrators have led people to believe that there is a high probability that the Ampatuan clan would walk away with the murder of 57 people, even as the case has generated a strong international concern.