Attacks on the Press - Committee to Protect Journalists

VICTIMS OF MAGUINDANAO MASSACRENovember 23, 2009, Ampatuan, philippinesJOURNALISTSHenry Araneta, DZRHMark Gilbert Arriola, UNTVRubello Bataluna, Gold Star DailyArturo Betia, Periodico IniRomeo Jimmy Cabillo, Midland ReviewMarites Cablitas, News Focus and DXDXHannibal Cachuela, Punto NewsJohn Caniban, Periodico IniLea Dalmacio, Socsargen NewsNoel Decina, Periodico IniGina Dela Cruz, Saksi NewsJhoy Duhay, Gold Star DailyJolito Evardo, UNTVSantos Gatchalian, DXGOBienvenido Legarte Jr., Prontiera NewsLindo Lupogan, Mindanao Daily GazetteErnesto Maravilla, Bombo RadyoRey Merisco, Periodico IniReynaldo Momay, Midland ReviewMarife “Neneng” Montaño, Saksi News and DXCIRosell Morales, News FocusVictor Nuñez, UNTVJoel Parcon, Prontiera NewsRonnie Perante, Gold Star DailyFernando Razon, Periodico IniAlejandro Reblando, Manila BulletinNapoleon Salaysay, Mindanao GazetteIan Subang, Socsargen TodayAndres Teodoro, Central Mindanao InquirerMAKINGS OF A MASSACRE: IMPUNITYFOSTERED philippine KILLINGSb y s h a w n w. crispinBefore henry araneta and his colleagues set off on themorning of November 23, 2009, on what would be their last assignment,the DZRH reporter sent his wife a text message: There could be trouble.The assignment would seem routine to anyone unfamiliar with the violentpolitical climate on the southern island of Mindanao. The journalists would accompanya convoy of people who intended to file candidacy papers for politicalclan leader Esmael Mangudadatu’s bid for governor of Maguindanao province.Having been warned of a possible ambush, Mangudadatu would not travel withthe group but would instead send female family members and supporters, andinvite the press to go along, in the belief that women and independent reporterswould not be attacked. One reporter was troubled enough by rumors of an assaultthat he called a military commander to request security but was told thatno protective escort would be deployed. Unnerved, he and two other journalistsdecided not to go.En route to Shariff Aguak, the provincial capital, the journalists and Mangudadatuclan members were ambushed by more than 100 heavily armed militiamenand led at gunpoint to a remote clearing where large pits had been prepared.Twenty-nine journalists and two media support workers were shot and dumpedMEDIA SUPPORT WORKERSBenjie Adolfo, Gold Star DailyDaniel Tiamson, UNTV246