Statement of the Region 8 Media Citizen Council for November 6, 2025 — Simultaneous Nationwide Activity of PPI Media Citizen Councils In Commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and the 16th Year of the Ampatuan Massacre
We, members of the Region 8 Media Citizen Council, stand in solidarity with the Philippine Press
Institute, the Media-Citizen Councils, press organizations, and independent journalists across the country in our unwavering call for truth, accountability, and justice.
As a community of media practitioners, citizens, and advocates, we are duty-bound to speak out whenever injustice and abuse threaten people’s lives, rights, and dignity. Today, as we commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and mark 16 years since the Ampatuan Massacre, we reaffirm our collective commitment to defend press freedom and to fight impunity in all its forms.
We highlight three urgent concerns that strike at the heart of justice and accountability in our nation:
The unfinished quest for justice in the Ampatuan (Maguindanao) Massacre;
The continuing struggle of the people of Calbayog City in Samar to protect their watershed and drinking water source from a potentially destructive wind power project; and The growing public outrage over massive corruption in government that continues to rob our people of trust, resources, and hope.
Sixteen Years After the Ampatuan Massacre: A Continuing Cry for Justice
Sixteen years have passed since the horrific Ampatuan (Maguindanao) Massacre on November 23, 2009, when 58 innocent people — including 32 journalists — were brutally killed. This remains the deadliest single attack on journalists in world history and a painful symbol of impunity that continues to haunt our democracy.
While the 2019 court ruling convicted several members of the powerful Ampatuan clan, justice remains incomplete. Dozens of suspects are still at large, some convicted individuals continue to appeal their cases, and the court-ordered damages and compensation for the victims’ families remain largely
unimplemented. Hearings for remaining suspects move painfully slow — delayed by technicalities, limited judicial resources, and the persistent threats and intimidation faced by witnesses and relatives.
We ask: How long must the families wait? Sixteen years should have been enough for the system to deliver the justice they deserve. Yet they continue to mourn without closure.
On this day, as we honor the journalists and civilians who perished in the massacre, we call upon the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and all concerned agencies to expedite the resolution of pending cases, arrest the remaining fugitives, and release the long-overdue compensation for the victims’ families.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Every day that impunity prevails erodes the people’s faith in the rule of law and endangers every journalist who dares to speak truth to power.
Ending impunity for crimes against journalists begins with ensuring full justice for the Ampatuan
Massacre victims. We owe it to them — and to every Filipino who believes in the power of a free press — to make sure that such a crime never happens again.
Defending the Watershed, Defending the People
We also stand with the people of Calbayog City, who are raising their voices to defend their protected watershed and natural forest — the vital source of clean water for the city and nearby communities.
The planned construction of wind turbines within or near this protected zone threatens not only the environment but also the survival and safety of residents. Experts and community groups have already warned of irreversible damage: loss of forest cover, disturbance of wildlife, contamination of water sources, and displacement of communities.
We support the country’s transition to renewable energy, but true sustainability must respect both people and the planet. Development should never come at the cost of clean water, food security, and the health of ecosystems.
We urge the local government, the DENR, and concerned agencies to re-examine this project, hold genuine consultations with affected residents, and protect Calbayog’s watershed for future generations. Once destroyed, no technology can restore a lost source of life.
Confronting Corruption, Upholding Accountability
We also raise our voices against the massive corruption now being exposed in various levels of government. Across the country, the people — including those here in Region 8 — are dismayed by reports of misuse of funds, overpriced projects, and officials enriching themselves while ordinary citizens struggle.
Our Continuing Commitment
Corruption is a form of social injustice. It diverts resources meant for education, healthcare, and disaster relief, while deepening poverty and inequality.
We call on the national administration, Congress, oversight bodies, and the Commission on Audit to ensure that transparency and accountability are not mere slogans but lived principles. Those found guilty of corruption — regardless of rank or political color — must be held accountable.
The Region 8 Media Citizen Council reaffirms its commitment to monitor, report, and advocate for justice, transparency, and accountability. We believe that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, when journalists can work without fear, and when every voice — from the newsroom to the community — is heard and respected.
Let us not forget the lives lost in Maguindanao. Let us not allow another tragedy to unfold in Calbayog. And let us not stay silent as corruption eats away at the foundations of our democracy.
Justice for the journalists. Justice for the people of Calbayog.
Justice for the Filipino people. Justice for all.
