November 23 movement honors victims of Ampatuan massacre

It was such a grim affair, the speakers could not even greet the audience good afternoon. “Hindi talaga gaganda ang hapon," begins Atty. Gemma Oquendo. Last week, her sister Cynthia joined a convoy of lawyers, journalists, and other innocent civilians that were waylaid and massacred in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province, in one of the most violent election-related incidents in the country. “Halos takasan ka ng katinuan," she says. “Hindi ko alam saan ako mag-uumpisang magluksa,"adds Gemma, one of the victims’ relatives who attended the multisectoral forum “Nobyembre 23: Harapin ang Katotohanan" last Dec. 1 at the UP NCPAG assembly hall. Fr. Albert Alejo of Konsult Mindanaw said what happened was not just a massacre, but martyrdom. “Those who died were sending a message, especially those who went there precisely to prevent conflict."

His opening note was followed by a short montage of photos taken at the site of the massacre. The room was deathly silent, and most of those present would look down or away from time to time, unable to stomach the horrifying images that were flashing before them. Most of the victims had joined the convoy to accompany Genalyn, the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Ismail Mangudadatu, in filing his certificate of candidacy for the post of governor of Maguindanao province. The women and journalists were there precisely because it was unthinkable that they would become victims of such violence. Ironic then, that in the act of upholding the spirit of democracy behind the electoral process, these innocent citizens lost their lives in what can only be described as the work of a monster. The victims’ stories, each tragic, each resounding with injustice, are meant to make the public remember and make a commitment to make those deaths mean something. “Hindi lamang balita na nakikita sa TV kung di buhay ng tao," said Fr. Alejo. And such lives. Five children of Gina Dela Cruz, the youngest only eight months old, are now motherless. Bombo Radyo Koronadal’s Bart Maravilla, whose children mourn their father, are waiting for their mother to arrive from Kuwait, where she works. The body of Manila Bulletin’s Bong Reblando was identified on what would have been his 35th wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Gemmy remembers her sister, Atty. Cynthia Oquendo, as a pro bono lawyer who was a strong advocate of women’s and children’s rights. Gemma is the youngest daughter of Catalino Oquendo, who was also brutally killed in Ampatuan town. She remembers her doting father as someone who had encouraged them all to finish their studies and be passionate about their work. “Mas malaki ang naitutulong sa tao," Gemma recounted her father telling them. “Lahat kaming magkakapatid, akala naman sa loob-loob namin, favorite kami . Pero ngayon alam na namin si Cynthia talaga ang favorite, kasi siya ang sinamahan hanggang sa death," Gemma says through her tears. Cynthia’s youngest son, who is only four years old, had some heartbreaking words for his mom. “Ayoko sanang magreport na si mommy sa langit, pero kasama naman niya si tatay," he says innocently. “She would have been 36 today," says Cynthia’s husband, Noel Ayon. These are just a few stories of the lives which will not have been lost in vain, if those who remain do something about it. Instead of dwelling on his grief, Ayon goes on to enjoin the audience, “Wala kaming magagawa ‘pag ‘di tayo nagtulong-tulong. Inaasahan ko na hindi na ito mauulit. Let us bury the culture that created a monster." The forum, although deeply stirring, was not intended to stir vengeance. “The enemy here now is violence," asserts Joel Sy Egco, director of the National Press Club. “Impunity knows no boundaries." Other groups represented at the forum were LUMAYA-KA NCR, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, UP Law Student Government, UP Muslim Students Association, Alliance of Muslim Advocates of Law, and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP). “Two fundamental elements of democracy were attacked: election, which is a way for the people to express themselves, and media, na daluyan ng information na dapat malaman ng mamamayan. The highest tribute we can pay to these martyrs is to cover the 2010 elections the way it should be covered," said Rowena Paraan, NUJP director. – YA/GMANews.TV