BUNGKALON: Official Statement of ThePILLARS Publication on the 15th Anniversary of Ampatuan Massacre

This day is not only a reminder of the justice delayed, thus justice denied, for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre but also a clarion call to cultivate a freer press, specifically a freer campus press. The Philippines is ranked 134th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2024, highlighting that the country is still dangerous for journalists. The press is still traversing a landscape filled with hazards: the rampancy of misinformation and disinformation, the erosion of trust in traditional media, and the continued red-tagging and repression of the campus press. The land where the seeds of truth and accountability must be planted resists, but we must plant them regardless.

As we dig deeper into this issue, we unearth layers of injustice that extend beyond the massacre. The Ampatuan political dynasty, which wielded its power with impunity, is a chilling reminder of how unchecked authority can poison the ground of democracy. The massacre was not merely an attack on individuals; it was an assault on truth itself, a deliberate attempt to bury dissent under the rubble of fear and violence.  

The aftermath of this tragedy has exposed the cracks in our justice system, where the roots of impunity run deep. Despite some convictions, many of the perpetrators still walk free, their influence casting a long shadow over the pursuit of justice. For the victim’s families, the fight for accountability is like trying to cultivate hope in a land ravaged by drought—a struggle that demands resilience and relentless effort.

The challenges have only multiplied. Today, campus journalists face heightened risks, compounded by the involvement of organizations like the Coordinating Council for Private Educational Associations in entities like the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The task force has been the government’s megaphone for red-tagging and promoting disinformation, further undermining the safety and credibility of young journalists. Under the Marcos Jr. administration, four journalists have already been killed—a grim reminder the tactics of oppression persist, albeit in more insidious forms.

As the 2025 Midterm Elections approach, election intimidation looms, reminiscent of the conditions that led to the Ampatuan Massacre. But now, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and social media, the tools of oppression have evolved and are weaponized to distort narratives and manipulate public perception. This new landscape of digital misinformation is a field where weeds of lies take root quickly and the truth struggles to grow. The legacy of the Ampatuan Massacre serves as a stark warning: without vigilance, the seeds of tyranny can easily take hold in the soil where fear and apathy are gravely sowed.

The soil of press freedom, though contested, must be cultivated with unwavering resolve. Justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre—and all journalists silenced by violence—requires collective vigilance and sustained action. By remembering their sacrifices, we honor their stories and commit to ensuring that truth continues to thrive in the face of repression.

ThePILLARS Publication remains steadfast in its mission as a bastion of truth and justice. In an era where lies spread like weeds and history risks distortion, we pledge to unearth the truth and amplify voices silenced by fear. Let this commemoration not only memorialize the victims but also galvanize the fight for press freedom and democracy. Together, we can till the fractured earth, plant the seeds of truth, and nurture a future where justice and accountability prevail.

BUNGKALON ta an katotoohan asin patalubuon an hustisya para sa gabos na peryodistang naging biktima kan karahasan.