Protest remembers massacre, sparks HOPE

MANILA, Philippines—Media groups and other organizations are holding a day-long protest in Manila in commemoration of the third anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre where 58 people, including 32 journalists, were brutally killed and buried in mass graves.

The day’s activity kicked off with a mass at 10 a.m. in San Agustin in Intramuros as Church leaders, Caloocan Diocese Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, students, personalities and political aspirants came together to pray for Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Election in 2013 (HOPE 2013).

The mass will be followed by “Walk for HOPE 2013” to the Commission on Elections office as groups urge the poll body to ensure clean and fraud-free elections in 2013.

Apart from the mass and walk protest, a covenant signing for HOPE 2013 will also be held where participants will light 58 candles at the Maguindanao Masssacre commemorative marker at the National Press club to symbolize their call for swift justice for the slain victims.

A march to the Supreme Court for a short program will be next before heading to Mendiola to burn an 11-feet effigy called the “Impunity Monster.”

“The burning of the Impunity Monster effigy will symbolize the Filipino people’s desire to put an end to the culture of impunity in the country,” said Crisanto de Leon, chairman of the UGATLahi Artists Collective, a group of visual artists who mounted the effigy.

De Leon also said they call on President Benigno Aquino III “to be true to his words” that he will bring speedy justice to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre. Jamie Elona