1,461 days.

November 23, 2013, marks the 4th year anniversary of the gruesome Ampatuan Massacre, where in 58 people were killed, 32 of them were journalist; while on their way to file a certirificate of Candidacy for Esmael Magudadatu as governor the following year. 

Do we still care? 

It seems like most of us have forgotten this horrible event in our history. We tend to forget our past easily. It seems like nothing happened. Or maybe it have been overshadowed by the recent issues like Napoles, Korina Sanchez vs Cooper or Manny Pacquiao won over Brandon Rios and tragic tragedies like Bagyong Yolanda who killed thousands of Filipino. 

The families of the victims continue to cry out for justice. Some witnesses have been turned, killed or disappeared. Some families of the victims are on the run fearing for their safety.

After more than 100 hearings since the trail began in 2010, the families of the victims were losing hope because of the slow movement of the case.

NOVEMBER 23 marks as International day to end impunity.

Our Professor in MassCom 15 invited us to attend a Forum-workshop last Friday, November 22 launched by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Davao Chapter as part of commemorating the fourth year of the Ampatuan Massacre and the third year of the International Day to End Impunity.  

The forum was attend by Mass Communication students of Holy Cross of Davao College, journalists and media workers. We were divided in 6 groups and asked to discussed what Impunity means and the role of media in reporting human rights issues.

First, me and my group mates decided to define what Impunity means (in Technical matter) for us to understand it more.

but as the time passes by and as we share our sentiments; The most common answer to define Impunity in a word is FEAR.

FEAR. big word! 

You're not sure if it's okay to express your sentiments about a certain issue because you're scared that you might be threatened or killed given the fact that the Philippines do not have an law that could protect Journalist. And for the aspiring journalist; sometimes we really asked our self if this is the path that we're going to take. We're confused between our fear and passion.

What can we do as an ordinary citizen && as a student?

1. Never forget. According to Mr. Carlos Condes; A researcher at Human Rights Watch covering the Philippines and a former Journalist. One way of doing it is to post something about it every now and then for everyone to see (on Facebook, Twitter, and in your blogs). This will help those who have forgotten to remember.
2. Be an educated. Research. Research. Research. Dig dipper. Know about a little of everything and share it to others. 
3. Be vigilant. Stay on guard, be the watch dog of the society. 

To date, none of the perpetrators have been brought to justice. I know that it is painful to the families of the victims that 4 years passed but nothing happened. And it's more painful to know that the witnesses of this massacre are being killed one-by-one. But let us not give up, let us not lose hope. Maybe a days, weeks or years from now, justice will prevail. We never know what tomorrow brings.

To date, none of the perpetrators have been brought to justice. I know that it is painful to the families of the victims that four years have passed but nothing happened. And it's more painful to know that the witnesses of this massacre are being killed one-by-one. But let us not give up, let us not lose hope. Maybe a day, a week or years from now, justice will prevail. We never know what tomorrow brings.

May we never forget the victims of the MaguindanaoMassacre. May we never forget that impunity still reigns in our country.Justice for the 58 people.They are not just numbers.

3 STARS AND A SUN

It's been a week since the Central, Eastern and Western Visayas got hit by the Typhoon Yolanda. (International Name: Haiyan)

(Photo by: http://www.clarkisit.com)

Typhoon Yolanda is considered as one of the strongest typhoon who entered the Philippine Area Responsibility (PAR). According to www.weather.com.ph - The typhoon Yolanda landfall over the shores of Northern Leyte with a wind speed of 315 km/hr.

:(

(Credits to the owner)

In a matter of how many hours on Friday, Typhoon Yolanda completely devastated the Central, Eastern and Western Visayas. The death toll is estimated up to 10,000 people. 

Heartbreaking, isn't it? Don't know what to say. Whenever I watch news, open my facebook, tumblr or twitter account; all I see were about the tragic happenings about the Typhoon Yolanda. Gahd. It made me cry. T____T

Dear Typhoon Yolanda, Why are you doing this to them? Why are you giving them a hardtime? Don't you have a heart. SERIOUSLY </3

We must be thankful because we're safe.. and we still have a house to spend our night, a food that we can eat whenever we want to, a clean water and most especially, our loved ones were still here with us. But what about the people who were affected? Thousand of innocence people died, many were injured, some are missing and all of them don't have a house, food and water. How can they continue to live? How? HOOOOW?

THEY NEED US. THEY NEED HELP.

Some of us can't donate because we're dealing with our own stuff but there's something that we can do that doesn't requires money. 

I decided to donate my old clothes to them and give a little amount. I hope that with these small help that I gave,  it will give them hope to continue everyday, to pursue their dreams and I hope that each of them can attain happiness.

 

Photo by: http://hellyeahjustlikethat.tumblr.com/

Lets take a little moment of our busy life and pray. Let's pray for the victims, survivors, government officials, rescue team and thank those countries and individuals who helped us.