MANILA, Philippines—Although they already know the grim fact that befell their loved ones, relatives and friends of the slain journalists waited anxiously for the bodies amid the powerful smell of decay.
Among the bodies recovered was that of local tabloid reporter Andy Teodoro, who would turned 58 years old on Nov. 30.
Also recovered earlier was the body of Napoleon Salaysay, publisher-editor of the tabloid Mindanao Gazette.
Monette, Salaysay’s wife, said her husband’s throat was slit.
Manila Bulletin reporter Alejandro “Bong” Reblando’s body was also recovered.
“All I want is the speedy dispensation of justice and sustenance for the surviving family members of my departed,” said Reblando’s wife Myrna, who was left to take care of their seven children.
The teary-eyed Myrna said she could not believe this would “happen to us while Bong was out there doing his daily (reportorial) work of covering media-related events.”
The staff at Manila Bulletin were also in mourning. “We are deeply saddened and we denounce this blow to press freedom,” the paper said in a statement.
“We call on the authorities concerned, both our police officials and our political leaders, to get to the bottom of this incident and ensure that justice is done.”
The journalists were attacked while covering the filing of the certificate of candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu for governor of Maguindanao province in next year’s national elections.
The province has been ruled by an ally of President Macapagal-Arroyo, Andal Ampatuan, for the past nine years and his clan is alleged to have organized the killings to ensure Mangudadatu would not register as a candidate for governor.
It emerged on Tuesday that local journalists who regularly cover Maguindanao had stayed away from the opposition activity amid concerns the Ampatuan clan may resort to violence.
Most of the reporters who were targeted had come from neighboring General Santos City. Reports from Charlie Señase, Ryan Rosauro, Julie Alipala and Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao; and Agence France-Presse
