Bacolod media hold torch march to press for Agra resignation

Some 40 journalists staged a torch march in Bacolod City Friday night to push for the resignation of Justice Secretary Alberto Agra over his decision to clear two Ampatuan clan members from the Nov. 23 Maguindanao massacre. A report on Visayan Daily Star Saturday said the torch-carrying journalists marched around the city public plaza to air their disgust over Agra's decision. “We have raged against the senseless slaughter of the 57 victims of the Ampatuan massacre and the culture of impunity (but) clung to the hope that somehow justice could be had," they said in a statement. They demanded Agra's resignation for clearing Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan and former acting Maguindanao vice governor Akmad Ampatuan. After the march, the journalists laid their torches at the marker for fallen journalists at the Bacolod public plaza and held a rally in front of the Negros Press Club. In their statement, they said Agra's act made them lose hope that this government ever intended to give justice to the massacre victims. They added that amid Malacañang's insistence it had nothing to do with the decision, it was apparent Agra did not decide on his own. “President Arroyo’s battle for political survival demands expediency. There is no debate over the fact that the Ampatuans have provided Arroyo with votes and muscle in Maguindanao," their statement said. That is why she needs them more than ever for the victory of her candidates, they added. But they said the “strong republic" the president envisions should not be made up of warlords but of people who are free. “Gloria did not only steal the presidency, she is now robbing the nation of its soul," said Negros Press Club president Julius Mariveles, who spoke at the rally. “There should be an accounting and it should include this administration for making the massacre possible and for trying to subvert justice through Agra. Whoever becomes the next president should be held accountable for making sure that justice is served," Jaime Espina, National Union of Journalists in the Philippines vice president, added.—JV, GMANews.TV