UP CMC vows to never forget Ampatuan massacre

As a community of educators and students, we in the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) join journalists and media workers in remembering what must not be forgotten!

November 23 marks not just the third year of the Ampatuan massacre but also the second year of the International Day to End Impunity (IDEI). As the whole world remembers the death of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers, we strongly encourage all communication and journalism educators and students to also lend their voice in seeking justice for the victims and in denouncing the culture of impunity.

Educators and students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in changing the media landscape, especially in a situation where the number of those killed continues to increase. Data from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) show that 154 journalists have been killed in the line of duty since 1986. This represents an average of six deaths every year in the past 26 years.

Only last November 8, radio broadcaster Julius Cauzo (DWJJ-Nueva Ecija) was gunned down, who was known for his commentaries on local politics and politicians. Based on NUJP data, Cauzo is the 14th killed since President Benigno S. Aquino III assumed office and the fifth one in 2012.

The killings continue unabated as the culture of impunity persists. Journalists continue to be silenced permanently as no mastermind has been brought to justice since 1986.

Disclaimer | What you are reading is either a press release/ statement or a manifesto. These materials do not go through our editorial process and do not reflect our policy or position.

The Ampatuan massacre in November 2009 highlights the brazen manner in which human rights violations are committed in the Philippines. With the holding of the national and local elections in May 2013, it is imperative for the Aquino administration to ensure that the conduct will be peaceful and orderly to avoid killings and other forms of election-related violence.

As the world commemorates what should not be forgotten, we in the UP CMC will continue to promote and uphold press freedom.

Let it not be said that our commitment is only confined to the annual commemoration of the IDEI. Our commitment, after all, rests on our mission to continue to support the legitimate call of journalists and media workers in seeking justice for the victims, putting a stop to the killings and in ending the culture of impunity.

COLLEGE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dean Roland B. Tolentino
Prof. Randy Jay C. Solis, College Secretary
Dr. Florinda D.F. Mateo, Chair Communication Research Department
Prof. Jane O. Vinculado, Officer-in-Charge, Broadcast Communication Department
Prof. Lucia P. Tangi, Officer-in-Charge, Journalism Department
Prof. Patrick F. Campos, Director Office of Research and Extension
Prof. Luis V. Teodoro, former Dean and Professorial Lecturer

BROADCAST COMMUNICATION FACULTY

Dr. Eulalio R. Guieb III
Dr. Elizabeth L. Enriquez
Prof. Rosa Maria T. Feliciano
Prof. Josefina C. Santos
Prof. Fernando A. Austria, Jr.

COMMUNICATION RESEARCH FACULTY

Dr. Elena E. Pernia
Dr. Jose R. Lacson, Jr.
Dr. Lourdes M. Portus
Prof. Maria Rosel S. San Pascual
Prof. Julienne Thesa Y. Baldo

JOURNALISM FACULTY

Prof. Danilo A. Arao
Ms. Teresa Congjuico

UP FILM INSTITUTE FACULTY

Prof. Anne Marie G. De Guzman
Prof. Libay Linsangan Cantor
Prof. Jose C. Gutierrez III

LECTURERS

Ms. Marinela M. Aseron
Ms. Melba S. Estonilo
Ms. Twink Macaraig
Mr. Nelson Cruz
Mr. Jedd Chris Dumaguina

STAFF

Gina Villegas
Clarissa Concepcion
Norma Dampil
Armando Hirao
Rosalita Burlat
Nanette Cinco
Fernando Borjal
Irene Sia
Jamela Tolentino
Alex Tamayo
Regina Mendez
Virginia Cuyugan
Lalaine Palacio
Irene Verona

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Ohrelle Kim Marcelo, Chair, UPCMC Graduate Student Association
Jeff Ragragio
Jae Ramos
Joseph Navarro
Evelyn Katigbak
Febbie Alacapa Dana Mengote
Bene De Ramos
Grace Gato
Boots Liquigan
May Gordoncillo
STUDENTS

Mario Urrutia III, Chair, UPCMC Student Council
Robert James De Roque
Judy Ann Espiritu
Wacky Torres
Jena Talavera
Janine Crisanto
Angelo de Jesus
Jeffrey Chua
Pauline Villarica
Alex Malco
James Leocadio
Demi Dangla
Princess Bugayong
Gabriel Abeleda
Kaye Enriquez
H. Crescens Tadili
Denis Correa
JM Elimanco
Horace Cimafranca
Camille De Castro
Margie Alberto
Cathrina Maulion
Brian Galor
Jaoana Rizza Bagano
Camille Dawn Fabreno
Cathleen Luteria
Miguel Karaan
Noah Loyola
Beni Salonga
Angel Calle
Christian Angelo Manuel
Demerie Dangla
Paula Mae Ceracas
Christine Jesalva
Tessalonica Gayanes
Andi Cabiling
Blessie Javier
Geraldine Clemente
Gelina Bangon
James Gasara
Jonas Reyes
Enzo Vidal

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