Sixteen years after the deadliest election-related violence in Philippine history, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) continues to demand comprehensive justice for all victims of the Ampatuan Massacre.
Unresolved Justice After 16 Years
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the NUJP marked the 16th anniversary of the brutal incident that claimed 58 lives, including 32 media workers. The massacre remains the most severe case of election-related violence in the country's history.
In a statement released on the anniversary, the journalists' union joined forces with victims' families and the broader media community to push for complete resolution of all pending matters related to the case.
The Fight for the 58th Victim
The NUJP is supporting families' efforts to resolve pending appeals, including the crucial recognition of the 58th victim, Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay. Momay's status as an official victim has been contested despite strong evidence of his presence during the massacre.
The organization is also pushing for the resolution of claims filed by Momay's heirs, ensuring that all victims and their families receive the justice they deserve after nearly two decades of waiting.
Ongoing Challenges for Philippine Journalists
While commemorating the massacre victims, the NUJP highlighted the persistent challenges facing journalists in the Philippines. The union emphasized the continuing need for media safety, editorial independence, and fair compensation, particularly for regional reporters.
Regional journalists remain among the lowest-paid and most vulnerable media workers in the country, often facing dangerous working conditions with inadequate protection and support.
The Ampatuan Massacre anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the risks journalists face in pursuing truth and democracy, while underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect media workers across the Philippines.
