PNP vows to protect journalists

MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen years after the Maguindanao massacre, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has renewed its commitment to protect the freedom of the press.

With dozens of suspects still at large, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) also vowed to “continue working to pursue full accountability for those responsible.”

In 2009, over 100 armed men linked to the Ampatuan clan killed a convoy of 58 people, including 32 media workers.

“Journalists and police officers have been strong partners on the ground. We intend to honor that partnership through protection and respect,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

The PNP and PTFoMS have been collaborating for media protection.

After several police officers were implicated in the massacre, Nartatez said policy reforms have been instituted to ensure that PNP personnel would not end up as goons of erring politicians.

The Maguindanao massacre is considered the world’s worst single attack on media workers and worst case of election violence in the country.

“We recognize the ongoing demand for justice across our nation, especially from the families who have suffered for years. This is not just a plea for retribution, it is a strong demand for accountability, for an end to impunity and for assurance that such an act never happens again,” the PTFOMS said.

In December 2019, a Quezon City court convicted 28 suspects, including members of the Ampatuan clan.

Fifteen people were convicted as accessories to murder. Fifty-seven others, mostly police officers, were acquitted.

“We reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe environment for all media workers, upholding the rule of law and defending the right to a free press,” the PTFOMS said.

The Center for International Law will file an urgent motion on behalf of 19 families, urging the appellate court and the government to resolve appeals and provide financial compensation to the victims’ families, respectively. — Helen Flores