Sixteen years after the Philippines witnessed its most brutal election-related violence, the quest for complete justice continues for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has forcefully renewed its demand for accountability in this landmark case.
Remembering the Tragedy
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the NUJP issued a powerful statement commemorating the 16th anniversary of what remains the deadliest single attack on journalists globally. The organization remembered the 32 media workers among the 58 individuals brutally murdered on November 23, 2009, in Maguindanao province, Mindanao.
The atrocity, commonly known as both the Maguindanao Massacre and Ampatuan Massacre, unfolded when a political convoy was ambushed. Family members and supporters of Esmael Mangudadatu, who was challenging the established political order, were attacked while traveling to file his candidacy for provincial governor.
Investigations revealed the attack was allegedly orchestrated by the powerful Ampatuan political clan to eliminate electoral competition. This horrific event exposed the deep-rooted problems of clan politics, impunity, and political violence in the Philippines.
The Long Road to Justice
After a trial that stretched over a decade, the judicial process eventually led to convictions of several Ampatuan family members in 2019. However, justice remains incomplete and fragmented.
Only 44 suspects have been convicted despite the scale of the crime, while more than 70 alleged participants remain at large. The NUJP emphasized that the 2019 convictions are still under appeal, leaving many legal battles unresolved.
The media organization highlighted several pending matters requiring attention:
- Recognition of Reynaldo Momay as the 58th victim
- Resolution of damages sought by victims' families
- Appeals processes for convicted individuals
Ongoing Threats and Systemic Issues
The NUJP warned that many dangers journalists faced in 2009 persist today. Political dynasties remain deeply entrenched in power, creating environments where violence against media workers can flourish.
Economic pressures continue to make journalists vulnerable to the consequences of political rivalries. The union noted that regional reporters remain particularly exposed and underpaid, compromising their safety and independence.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the continuous struggle to protect journalists, maintain editorial independence, and secure living wages for media professionals across the Philippines.
As the NUJP declared: "As we continue to call for full justice for the 58 massacre victims, this commemoration is also a reminder for all of us to keep working for media safety, editorial independence and a living wage for media workers."
