N.B. – This was published in The Lobbyist (May 24) where I write a column (Subtext).
Author’s note: This article is based on a speech I gave on May 23 at the House of Representatives. That day was the commemoration of the 18th month of the Ampatuan massacre on November 23, 2009.
Never forget the Ampatuan massacre. This is the shortest message a journalist can give to those taking up Journalism. This advice is relatively easy to follow, at least for now. It is hard, after all, to ignore the carnage that left 58 dead, including 32 journalists and media workers that fateful day in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009.
To ensure that the collective memory would not be short-lived, there are efforts to continuously commemorate what happened: Since December 2009, various media groups have initiated activities every 23rd of the month not only to remember but also to condemn the culture of impunity that, among others, results in the unabated killings of journalists. Journalism students are strongly encouraged to join these activities to show unity with journalists and media workers in the quest for justice for those who were killed.
The future journalists of the country could use the occasion to reaffirm their commitments to three things:
Commitment to press freedom. This could be shown in various ways. An immediate, urgent task is to actively participate as co-signatories in petitions or statements authored by individual journalists and media groups that may have to do with press freedom in general or the Ampatuan massacre in particular. The Supreme Court petition for live coverage of the Ampatuan trial is an example of collective action done by media organizations and the academe. It is necessary for journalism students, perhaps through academically recognized student organizations, to take part in future legal proceedings that may have to do with protecting and upholding press freedom, as well as to take the initiative in making their voices heard regarding the various forms of harassment and intimidation being felt by the media. The journalism students’ commitment could also be evidenced by participation in social mobilizations as they show solidarity with their future colleagues in media.
Commitment to uphold the highest standards of the journalism profession. Obviously, studying well is necessary to know the professional and ethical standards. It must be remembered, however, that education goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. This is most especially true for journalism where constant practice is necessary to hone one’s skills and knowledge not only in the delivery of news but also the analysis of issues. Notwithstanding the prevailing culture of impunity, the need remains to uphold honor and excellence in journalism. Stretching the argument further, militancy and activism should be tolerated and encouraged by journalism schools so that students could participate in various activities related to upholding and promoting responsible and responsive journalism.
Commitment to uphold human rights in general. Human rights advocacy is closely related to the fight for press freedom. The unabated killings of journalists, after all, happen at a time when human rights violations are also on the rise. Journalism students are therefore expected to also unite with human rights groups as they analyze the culture of impunity in a bigger context as the victims go beyond journalists and media workers.
Until there is an end to the culture of impunity in the country, the imperative for militancy and activism will remain with journalism students as they are encouraged to participate in various forms of mass actions to express solidarity with the people in general and their future colleagues in particular.