Local Mediamen Offerings for the Maguindanao Massacre Victims

LAOAG CITY (23 November) – At least dozens of local media men of Ilocos Norte lighted candles this morning to commemorate the fate of the Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre victims, mostly tri-media practitioners.

Some garbed in black shirts, the group from the print, radio and television offered prayers as they attended a Holy mass at the St. William Cathedral here officiated by Parish priest Monsignor Polly Albano.

Aside from the candle and prayer offering, the Laoag belfry bell also rung out many times as the local media and Diocese joined the nationwide call for justice for the massacre victims.

Rolando Jose, new president of the Media Active in Ilocos Norte, said the media religious activity was also meant to remember their fallen colleagues: radiomen Roger Mariano, Andy Acosta and Jovelito Agustin who were all killed in 2004, 2006 and in June this year respectively in the line of duty. The three all worked as radio commentators of DZJC-Aksyon Radio in Laoag.

“We join the nation in calling for the speedy trial of the Maguindanao massacre case and to put behind bars those responsible for the wholesale killings,” he said.

Jose said the real murderers of Lito, Andy and Roger, on the other hand, have yet to be identified, tried and jailed.

In today’s activity, the broadcasters also momentarily turned off their microphones and offered 10 seconds of silence during their morning radio programs.