Impunity is in 6th Year in Ampatuan Massacre

IFEX, the freedom of expression organization has reminded of the impunity in its 6th year against Ampatuan massacre in which 57 people of whom 32 are journalists killed.

Ambatuan tribe going to polls to receive the documents along with campaign group and a group of journalists accompanying them were killed by forces affiliated with a governor known with his close relation with President Gloria Arroyo on November 23, 2009 on Mindanao Island in Philippines.

The targeted journalists were working for local and national newspapers and other radio and television outlets.

There were Maguindano State Governor’s son Andal Ampatuan Jr., Datu Unsay Mayor and member of President’s party, Andal Ampatuan among the suspects.

Prosecution was launched against 197 people in February 2010. Even though this initial step was received favorably by human rights defenders, the trial didn’t continue in the same manner. 100 people haven’t been accounted for while 97 people including Andal Ampatuan and Andal Ampatuan Jr. have been associated with the massacre.

The Maguindanao Governor, Ampatuan who was seen as one of the chief figures behind the massacre died due to liver failure. While live broadcasting the trials have been disallowed, Amwar Ampatuan has been charged with 57 counts of murder. Arrestee Amwar Ampatuan’s motion has been pended due to lack of sufficient evidence.

While the number of suspects have fallen to 28 as of 2015, victim families and lawyers have met with threats.

IFEX has initiated a campaign against impunity following Ampatuan massacre, which goes down in history as one of the biggest massacres that killed the most journalists. (EA/TK)

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