A blindfolded, shirtless man being strangled and beaten to death, a dismembered body being unearthed from a shallow grave, a teary-eyed woman who lost her husband to a mass killing are few of the video images circulated in a television and online campaign to jolt those who might have begun to forget the Maguindanao massacre on November 23, 2009.
In 'Families,' a mother, sister, daughter, and wife of four slain journalists emphasize the importance of press freedom as they appeal for justice for their loved ones. The media plugs are part of the November 23 Movement's campaign to commemorate the first anniversary of the widely-condemned massacre in Ampatuan town, where 52 people, including 32 journalists were allegedly killed by a powerful clan in southern Philippines.
With an overall theme "Never Forget," the five video clips were also created to urge the public to continue demanding for justice for the victims of the worst election-related violence in Philippine history.
Probably one of the most touching of the five video clips entitled "Families" – rendered in black and white – features relatives of four of the 32 slain journalists.
"Ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag ay anak ng ating pakikibaka, ay kapatid ng ating karapatan, ay kabiyak ng ating kaligayahan, magulang ng ating kinabukasan. Kailangan nating lahat, katarungan," said the family members in the clip.
(The freedom of the press is the offspring of our struggle, the sibling of our rights, the spouse of our happiness, the parent of our future. We all need justice.)
Meanwhile, the "Never Forget" clips (which come in English and Filipino versions) feature veteran print and broadcast journalists recounting the massacre before making their final appeal.
"Justice Now" and "Itigil ang karahasan. Katarungan," said the candle-carrying journalists as a mournful music accompanied by intense drum beats plays in the background.
Media practitioners featured in the clips were Vergel Santos (Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility), Ed Lingao (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism), and ABS-CBN's Maria Ressa, among others.
The other video clips: "Karahasan sa Media" featured a re-enactment of a torture scene and “Tutok" presented Lingao recounting the fear of journalists who get threatened while in the line of their duty.
In 'Never Forget,' journalists demand justice for their colleagues slain in the November 23 carnage. Produced by RSVP Film Production and Rentals, Unitel, and Underground Logic, the media plugs were directed by veteran journalist and award-winning independent film maker Jim Libiran; and publicist and former MTV creative & content head TJ Besa III.
In response to one of the video clips, a commenter on YouTube said: "Ako'y nakalimot... SALAMAT sa PAALA-ALA. huwag tayong madaling makalimot (I already forgot about it. Thank you for reminding me. Let's not forget too easily)." — LBG
