Bicol students remember Maguindanao massacre 8 years later

Students light candles in Bicol University in commemoration of the Maguindanao massacre Wednesday night. Photo by Ma. April Mier, Inquirer Southern Luzon

LEGAZPI CITY—A two-day photo and poetry exhibit which started Wednesday with harrowing images captured eight years ago from the Maguindanao massacre greet those who enter the Multi-Purpose Building at Bicol University in Legazpi City, Albay.

Some 200 students and members of College Editors Guild (CEGP) in Albay lighted candles and offered prayers Wednesday night forming “11.23.Forgotten?” on the ground just outside the school’s students’ lounge to mark the beginning of the exhibit which will end Thursday night.

The university’s future media practitioners said that they fear that a similar event may happen again since eight years later, justice remains elusive for the victims and their families.

But to some members of the Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (Bonjour), there remains hope if they do not let the massacre that killed journalists, lawyers, family members of then vice mayor of Buluan town Esmael Mangundadatu, drivers, and even witnesses be forgotten.

“There were high school students who were passing by when we were preparing for the candle-lighting ceremony, and they were curious enough to ask what we’re remembering November 23 for,” Claire Jeaed Jose, president of Bonjour and fourth year journalism student, said.

Mark Francis Banay, a third year student, said that the release Datu Sajid Ampatuan proves that there is still work to be done in order to provide justice. /je

Photo by Ma. April Mier, Inquirer Southern Luzon