STATEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATION EDUCATORS (PACE) TO COMMEMORATE THE 5TH YEAR OF THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE AND THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY

Five years ago on the 23rd of November 2009 one of the most gruesome murders of media workers and civilians took place in Maguindanao. This brazen act left 58 people including 32 journalists dead.

Five years thereafter, we continue to wait for justice to be served. Unfortunately, not one single perpetrator has been convicted, many remain at-large and the culture and cycle of impunity persists. Vicious attacks, coercion, intimidation and killings are rampant. Crime, corruption and violence continues.

We have not forgotten, we are outraged and disappointed with the very slow court proceedings. But we will remain steadfast and vigilant until justice is realized.
In this light, PACE calls on all its individual and institutional members to initiate various activities to commemorate the Maguindanao Massacre and to support the International Day to End Impunity Campaign. These activities may include: class discussion, film viewing, public exhibitions, forum, debate, flash mob, mass action, candle lighting, a moment of silence, signature campaign, sharing infographics and writing the national government including the judiciary to act expeditiously on the Maguindanao massacre case and to clamp down on the vicious cycle of impunity.

PACE will also support the 1 million candles lighting ceremony on November 23, 5:00 pm at the EDSA Shrine and the People Power Monument. Let us unite, shed light, and amplify our collective call for justice.

Five years has passed; we demand action; we demand accountability!

For more information and to take action visit: http://daytoendimpunity.org/take_action/

PACE is the largest and oldest professional association of communication and media educators and practitioners in the Philippines.