Maguindanao massacre victims pin hopes on Noynoy

KORONADAL CITY , Philippines  – The Justice Now Movement (JNM) is pinning its hopes on president-apparent Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for the speedy resolution of the cases they filed against members of the powerful Ampatuan clan.

JNM is the organization of the families of the 57 people, including 32 journalists, murdered in what is now known as the Maguindanao massacre.

Myrna Reblando, JNM vice-chair, said they did not put much hope on Mrs. Arroyo’s administration since the Ampatuans, especially former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., were known allies of the outgoing president.

Reblando, wife of Manila Bulletin reporter Alejandro Reblando,” one of the journalists killed, said they believe that Aquino would help them get justice.

“We all believe that President Aquino would take a closer look at the Maguindanao massacre to show his steadfast commitment to give justice to those who are in need of it,” she said.

She added that the JNM believes that the case would be given much attention in the international community through the help of Aquino.

Meanwhile, the officers and members of JNM have decided not to visit the massacre site today, the sixth-month anniversary of the massacre, for security reasons.

Instead of lighting candles and offering prayers at the site, officers and members of the JNM would meet today to discuss the cases they filed.