In Memoriam

IN PAIN. In sorrow. In rage. Today, November 23, 2011, we solemnly observe the second anniversary of media’s own day that will live in infamy. Nowhere in the world, not at any time in history had there been 32 media workers killed in one place, in a single day. Not to mention the 20 other civilians who perished along with them.
The evil of that day impacted in our minds, the tragedy befallen our colleagues inscribed in our hearts, the heinousness of it all troubling our very souls.
Two years have passed. In the Filipino tradition, the period of mourning has already ended a year back yet. That life has moved on.
But not to us.
Two years have passed. With the pain, the grief over our loss only increasing by the day. The nation embittered by the slowness of the justice system.
Two years have passed. And still counting.
But there shall be no forgetting.
The mourning continues.
The struggle for justice remains unceasing.
The fight to end the culture of impunity that caused and effected the massacre unwavering.
Heed us then the call to arms: “Do not go quietly into that good night…Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
To us the living is reposited that sacred duty until justice is done and the victims of the Ampatuan massacre, as well as all the martyrs in the cause of press freedom shall truly rest in peace.
Dalawang taon na ang lumipas. Subali’t hindi pa rin tayo makakapag-babang luksa.
Patuloy ang panaghoy, kaakibat ang pagpapaigting sa pakikibaka. Hanggang ang katarungan ay ganap na makamtan.
Ang paglimot sa adhikaing ito, ang paglihis sa tungkuling ito ay paglapastangan sa kadakilaan ng pagbuwis ng buhay ng mga martir ng Maguindanao.
Matapos ang dalawang taon, wala pa rin katapusan ang pagluluksa.