Wednesday, November 23, 2011

List of slain journalists in the Philippines (1986-2011)

Credit:  http://www.facebook.com/notes/mabuhay-newspaper-bulacan/list-of-slain-journalists-in-the-philippines-1986-2011/309179649111972

Pete Mabazza
Manila Bulletin
April 24, 1986, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Wilfredo Vicoy
Reuters
April 25, 1986, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Virgilio Pacala
Manila Hotline
March 24, 1987, San Pablo, Laguna

Dionisio Perpetuo Joaquin
Olongapo News
April 12, Olongapo City, Zambales

Narciso Balani
DXRA
August 27, 1987, Davao City

Rogie Zagado
DXRA
August 27, 1987, Davao City

Leo Palo
DXRA
August 27, 1987, Davao City

Cesar Maglalang
DXRA
August 27, 1987, Davao City

Martin Castor
Pilipino Ngayon
August 28, 1987, Manila

Ramon Noblejas
DYVL
October 4, 1987
Tacloban, Leyte

Leo Enriquez III
Kyodo News Service, Washington Times, People’s Journal
October 10, 1978, Cebu City

Noel Miranda
Mindanao Scanner
March 29, 1988, Tagum Cuty Davao Del Norte

Ruben R. Manrique
Luzon Tribute
August 12, 1988, Balanga City, Bataan

Josef Aldeguer Nava
Visayan Life Today, DYRP
October 30, 1988, Iloilo City

Severino Arcones
DYFM Bombo Radyo
October 17, 1989, Iloilo City

Eddie Telan
Newscaster
December 1, 1989, Quezon City

Enrique Lingan
The Luzon Times/ The Midway Star
February 4, 1990, Lucena City, Quezon

Joseph “Joe” Kreuger
Mindoro Weekly Reporter
February 6, 1990, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro

Reynaldo Catindig Sr.
Northern Sierra Madre Express
May 15, 1990, Timauini, Isabela

Jean Ladringan
Southern Star
July 8, 1990, General Santos City

Nesino Paulin Toling
Panguil Bay Monitor
April 14, 1991, Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental

Danilo Vergara
Philippine Post
July 1, 1992, in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte

Vergara, publisher of the weekly Philippine Post and secretary of the Mindanao Press Club and the Iligan Press Club, was shot at close range by three unidentified assailants as he left a printing plant on Quezon Avenue in Iligan City. A security guard who witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene was also killed. Editor of the Post until he became publisher in 1989, Vergara was known to write hard-hitting columns on graft and corruption.

Rev. Greg Hapalla
DXAS
September 21, 1992, in Zamboanga City
Hapalla, a radio commentator and preacher, was shot to death by three gunmen while broadcasting from DXAS Station in Zamboanga City. A radio technician and a visitor were also killed.

Ladjid Jade Ladja
Prensa Zamboanga
July 3, 1992, in Zamboanga City
Ladja, a correspondent for the weekly Prensa Zamboanga, was shot dead in Zamboanga City while attending a friend’s birthday party. Ladja had covered the Mindanao secessionist movement, but the motive for the killing remains unknown.

Gloria Martin
DXXX
December 30, 1992, in Isabela,  Basilan
Martin, a local radio journalist with station DXXX in Basilan, was shot and killed by unidentified assailants. The motive remains unknown.

Romeo Lagaspi
Voice of Zambales
January 11, 1993, in Zambales
Lagaspi, publisher of Voice of Zambales, was last seen by his family on January 11, 1993. He had been charged with criminal libel for a column he wrote on police corruption and had filed a countersuit, which was still pending when he disappeared. Police showed Lagaspi’s family photographs of a charred corpse, which they suggested was that of the journalist.

Rosauro Lao
Cotabato News
November 22, 1993, in Cotabato City
Rosauro Lao and Ding Sade, both of Cotabato News, were shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in front of their boarding house in Cotabato City. Police did not establish a motive. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, police said that Lao was killed by a shot in the head, and that Sade died from wounds to the body and left arm.

Ding Sade
Cotabato News
November 22, 1993, in Cotabato City
Rosauro Lao and Ding Sade, both of Cotabato News, were shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in front of their boarding house in Cotabato City.

Alberto Berbon
DZMM Radio
December 15, 1996, in Manila
Berbon, senior editor for the radio station DZMM, which is owned by the Philippines’ largest broadcast network, ABS-CBN, was fatally shot outside his home in a Manila suburb. His wife was also injured in the attack.

Ferdinand Reyes
Press Freedom
February 13, 1996, in Dipolog City
Reyes, editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper Press Freedom, was fatally shot while at his desk in his office in Dipolog, some 400 miles (640 kilometers) south of Manila. He had received death threats in the past for his frequent writings about official corruption and human rights abuses and his criticism of government policies.

Danny Hernandez
People’s Journal Tonight
June 3, 1997, in Manila
Hernandez, news editor of a popular tabloid daily, People’s Journal Tonight, for which he wrote a column called “Sunday Punch,” was fatally shot in a taxi after leaving the Journal office just before dawn. It was later learned the taxi had been stolen hours earlier and was apparently waiting for him, police said. Colleagues said Hernandez had told them he had been receiving death threats from members of drug rings. He specialized in exposing drug syndicates and police corruption.

Regalado Mabazza
Polaris Cable Network
December 17, 1997, Cauayan, Isabela

Rey Bancayrin
Radio DXLL
March 29, 1998, in Zamboanga City
Bancayrin, a well-known broadcaster for Radio DXLL in the southern region of Mindanao, was shot to death while on the air. Two unidentified gunmen entered the broadcast booth while he was talking to a listener and shot him three times at point-blank range.

Nelson Catipay
DXMY Radio
April 16, 1998, in Cotabato City
Catipay, a correspondent for radio station DXMY in Cotabato City in Mindanao, was shot nine times by two unidentified men riding with Catipay in a minivan traveling to the town of Sultan Kuarat, according to police reports.

Dominador Bentulan
DXGS
October 30, 1998, General Santos City

Bienvenido Dasal
DXKR Radyo Agong
January 21, 1999, Koronadal City, South Cotabato

Frank Palma
DWYB-Bombo Radyo
April 25, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Vincent Rodriguez
DZMM Radio
May 23, 2000, in Sasmuan, Pampanga
Rodriguez, a correspondent in Pampanga Province for the Manila radio station DZMM, was killed on assignment near the town of Sasmuan when guerrillas ambushed the boat convoy in which he was traveling.

Olimpio Jalapit Jr.
DXPR Radio
November 17, 2000, in Pagadian City
Jalapit, host of local radio station DXPR’s top-rated morning program, “Lampornas,” was killed in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur Province, as he was leaving a parent-teacher association meeting.

Roland Ureta
Radio DYKR
January 3, 2001, in Aklan Province
Radio journalist Ureta was gunned down on the night of January 3 when two motorcycle-riding men waylaid him en route from Kalibo, the capital of Aklan Province, to the town of Lezo.

Mohammad Yusoph
Radio DXID
February 23, 2001, in Pagadian City
Yusoph, a commentator for the radio station DXID in Pagadian City, was shot in the back of the head by two men on a motorcycle while he was riding in a three-wheel pedicab. He died on the spot.

Joy Mortel
Mindoro Guardian
May 31, 2001, in Occidental Mindoro
Mortel, a reporter for the Mindoro Guardian, was killed in her home in Barangay Talabanhan, Occidental Mindoro Province, according to local press reports. Two unidentified armed men reportedly shot Mortel after a heated argument. She died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Candelario Cayona
Radio DXLL
May 30, 2001, in Zamboanga City
At about 6 a.m. on May 30, three unidentified men ambushed Cayona, a radio commentator for the local station DXLL, as he left home on his motorcycle to host a morning broadcast. Cayona died on the spot from four gunshot wounds, including two to the face. The assailants, all identified as young males, fled the scene.

Edgar Damalerio
Zamboanga Scribe and DXKP Radio
May 13, 2002, in Pagadian City, Philippines
Damalerio, managing editor of the weekly newspaper Zamboanga Scribe and a commentator on DXKP radio station in Pagadian City on the southern island of Mindanao, was shot and killed at about 8:00 p.m.
A gunman shot Damalerio, 32, while he was driving home in his jeep from a press conference in Pagadian City. He was killed by a single bullet wound to his left torso.

Rhode Sonny Esguerra Alcantara
“Quo Vadis San Pablo” and Kokus
August 22, 2002, in San Pablo, Philippines
Alcantara, a newspaper publisher and cable TV commentator, was shot dead in the city of San Pablo, south of the capital, Manila.

John Belen Villanueva, Jr.
DZGB
April 28, 2003, Camalig, Albay

Apolinario “Polly” Pobeda
DWTI Radio
May 17, 2003, in Lucena City, Quezon, Philippines
At about 6:00 a.m., two unidentified gunmen stopped radio host Pobeda as he rode his motorcycle to work in Lucena City, Quezon Province, and shot him repeatedly, according to Philippine press reports. Pobeda suffered seven gunshot wounds, including one to his head. He was brought to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Bonifacio Gregorio
Dyaryo Banat
July 8, 2003, in La Paz, Tarlac, Philippines
Gregorio, a reporter and columnist for the weekly Dyaryo Banat, in La Paz, a town in the central Tarlac Province, was talking to a colleague on a cell phone in front of his house when an unidentified gunman shot him in the head three times at close range. According to news reports, the gunman was likely a professional killer who fled the scene on foot. Gregorio was rushed to La Paz District Hospital before being transferred to Ramos General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Noel Villarante
DZJV Radio and Laguna Score
August 19, 2003, in Santa Cruz, Laguna Province, Philippines
Villarante, of DZJV Radio and the local newspaper Laguna Score, was shot and killed by a gunman outside his house in Santa Cruz City in central Laguna Province. After being shot once, Villarante ran inside his home. While his relatives helped him outside again to get to a hospital, the gunman shot Villarante twice in the head, killing him instantly.

Rico Ramirez
DXSF Radio
August 20, 2003, in Agusan del Sur, Philippines
Police found the body of Ramirez, a commentator for DXSF Radio, on the side of the road in San Francisco, a town in the southern province of Agusan del Sur. Authorities did not announce the murder until September 2 but offered no explanation for the two-week delay.

Juan “Jun” Pala
DXGO Radio
September 6, 2003, in Davao City, Philippines
Unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle shot Pala, a commentator on DXGO radio, while he was walking home with a bodyguard and a friend in Davao City. The journalist, who suffered nine gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead on arrival at the San Pedro Hospital, according to the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
(CMFR). His companions sustained minor injuries.

Rowell Endrinal
DZRC, Metro News
February 11, 2004, in Legazpi City
Two unidentified assailants shot Endrinal, a commentator on radio station DZRC in Legazpi City, Albay Province, while he was leaving his house for the radio station at 6:20 a.m. The local police chief, Jaime Lazar, told journalists that the assailants shot Endrinal in the foot and then continued shooting him in the head and body as he fell.

Nelson Nadura
Radio DYME
December 2, 2003, in Masbate City
Nadura, a commentator for Radio DYME in the Philippine’s central Masbate City, was shot dead at about 8:30 a.m. by two unidentified gunmen. The attack occurred while Nadura was on his motorcycle leaving the radio station after his daily broadcast, according to press reports and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, a Manila-based press freedom organization. He died immediately from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. Six empty shells and a slug were found on the scene. The suspects fled on foot.

Fernando Consignado
Radio Veritas
August 12, 2004, in Nagcarlan
Consignado, a correspondent with the Manila-based Radio Veritas, was found dead in his home in the town of Nagcarlan, 47 miles (75 kilometers) south of the capital, Manila, according to local news reports. The journalist died of a single gunshot to the head, according to police investigators.

Elpidio Binoya
Radyo Natin
June 17, 2004, in General Santos
Binoya, a radio commentator and local station manager with Radyo Natin, was gunned down outside the port city General Santos, on the southern island of Mindanao, according to local news reports. Binoya was known for his pointed political commentaries.

Rogelio “Roger” Mariano
Radyo Natin-Aksyon Radyo
July 31, 2004, in Laoag City
Mariano, a commentator for Radyo Natin-Aksyon Radyo, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte Province, according to news reports.

Arnnel Manalo
Bulgar and DZRH Radio
August 5, 2004, in Bauan
Gunmen ambushed and killed Manalo, 42, a correspondent for the Manila tabloid Bulgar and radio station DZRH, in the morning, shortly after he dropped off his children at school, according to international news reports and local journalists.

Romeo (or Romy) Binungcal
Remate and Bulgar
September 29, 2004, in Bataan Province
Binungcal, a correspondent for two national Manila-based tabloids, Remate and Bulgar, was killed while riding home on his motorcycle in Bataan Province, in the central Luzon Region.

Eldy Sablas (aka Eldy Gabinales)
Radio DXJR-FM
October 19, 2004, in Tandag , Surigao Del Sur
An unidentified assailant shot Sablas three times from behind at about 10 a.m. as the radio commentator rode a three-wheeled motorcycle away from a supermarket in Surigao del Sur Province on the southern island of Mindanao.

Gene Boyd Lumawag
MindaNews
November 12, 2004, in Jolo, Sulu
An unidentified gunman shot photographer Lumawag, of the MindaNews news service, in the head, killing him instantly in Jolo, the capital of the southern Sulu Province.

Herson Hinolan
Bombo Radiyo
November 13, 2004, in Kalibo, Aklan
Hinolan, station manager and commentator from Bombo Radiyo in Kalibo in the central Aklan Province, was shot in the abdomen and arms in the restroom of a local store, police told local reporters.

Marlene Garcia-Esperat
Midland News and DXKR
March 24, 2005, in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
A gunman walked into columnist Marlene Garcia-Esperat’s house in the city of Tacurong, and shot her in front of her family. Garcia-Esperat died at the scene from a single bullet wound to her head, police told reporters. The gunman and his accomplice escaped from the scene on a motorcycle.

Allan Dizon
The Freeman, Banat
November 27, 2004, in Cebu City
Dizon, a photographer for the English-language newspaper The Freeman and a correspondent for the local tabloid Banat, was shot and killed in Cebu City.

Stephen Omaois
Guru Press
November 27, 2004, in Tabuk, Kalinga
Omaois’ body was found in a garbage bin on the outskirts of Tabuk in remote Kalinga Province. Police believe Omaois, 24, was bludgeoned to death, according to international news reports.

Arnulfo Villanueva
Asian Star Express Balita
February 28, 2005, in Naic, Cavite
Villanueva, 43, a columnist for the community newspaper, was found shot on a road in the town of Naic, just south of Manila. A local village official found his body, according to the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).

Ricardo “Ding” Uy
DZRS
November 18, 2005, in Sorsogon City
Radio announcer Uy, known for his leftist political activities, was killed by a gunman outside his home in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon province, 230 miles (375 kilometers) southeast of Manila.

Robert Ramos
Katapat
November 20, 2005, in Cabuyao, Laguna
Ramos, 39, a reporter for the weekly tabloid, was shot twice in the head outside a market in Cabuyao, Laguna province, 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of the capital, Manila. Ramos was waiting for a ride home from work when two motorcycle-riding assailants shot him, according to police reports cited in the local media.

George Benaojan
DYBB and Bantay Balita
December 1, 2005, in Cebu
An unidentified gunman killed radio and newspaper journalist Benaojan in the central city of Cebu before fleeing in a taxi. Benaojan, 27, died at a local hospital shortly afterward, according to international news reports.

Klein Cantoneros
DXAA-FM
May 4, 2005, in Dipolog City
Cantoneros, a “block-time” radio broadcaster known for hard-hitting commentary, died after being shot as many as seven times by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Dipolog City on the southern island of Mindanao.

Philip Agustin
Starline Times Recorder
May 10, 2005, in Paltic, Aurora
Agustin, editor and publisher of the local weekly Starline Times Recorder, was killed by a single shot to the back of the head, according to local news reports.

Rolando “Dodong” Morales
DXMD
July 3, 2005, in Polomolok,
The radio commentator was ambushed and shot at least 15 times by a gang of motorcycle-riding assailants while driving home on the southern island of Mindanao. Morales, who died at the scene, had just finished hosting his weekly program on radio DXMD in General Santos City.

Rolly Cañete
January 20, 2006, in Pagadian City, Philippines
Unidentified gunmen killed radio broadcaster and political publicist Cañete on a busy street in the southern city of Pagadian. International news reports said the attackers fled on a motorcycle.

Orlando Tapios Mendoza
Tarlkac Profile/ Tarlac Patrol
April 4, 2006, in Tarlac, Philippines
Mendoza, a part-time newspaper editor and columnist, was shot several times by unidentified men as he was returning home in Tarlac, 65 miles (110 kilometers) north of Manila. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local media reports.

Ponciano Grande
DWJJ
December 7, 2006, in Cabantuan City, Nueva Ecija
Two unidentified gunmen killed Grande, 53, a former newspaper columnist and occasional co-host of a radio variety show, at his farm in Cabantuan City, central Luzon. The assailants shot Grande five times and chased his wife, Annie Luwag-Grande, but did not harm her, according to the online news site INQ7 and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

Andres Acosta
DZJC
December 20, 2006, in Batac
An unidentified attacker stabbed commentator Acosta in the town of Batac, 240 miles (390 kilometers) north of Manila. Stabbed in the head and body, Acosta collapsed on his motorcycle while trying to get to a hospital.

Fernando Batul
DZRH and DYPR
May 22, 2006, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Batul, 37, a radio commentator with DZRH and DYPR radio, was shot six times by motorcycle-riding gunmen while he was driving to work in the provincial town of Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan.

George Vigo
Union of Catholic Asian News
June 19, 2006, Kidapawan, Cotabao

Maricel Vigo
DXND
June 19, 2006, in Kidapawan, Cotabao
Two unidentified gunmen shot radio journalists George and Maricel Vigo near their home on the southern island of Mindanao. The married couple were walking home from a public market when they were shot at around 5:15 p.m. by men on a motorcycle. They died on the way to the hospital.

Armando Pace
DXDS
July 18, 2006, in Digos City, Davao Del Sur
Pace, 51, an outspoken block-time commentator on Radyo Ukay DXDS, was shot in the head and chest by two motorcycle-riding assailants while traveling home from work on a busy street in Digos City on the island of Mindanao. He died shortly after arriving at a local hospital.

Hernani Pastolero
Lightning Courier Weekly
February 20, 2007, in Sultan Kudarat
Pastolero, 64, editor-in-chief of the community newspaper Lightning Courier Weekly, was shot in front of his home in Sultan Kudarat township, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

Ferdinand Lintuan
DXGO and Sun Star
December 24, 2007, in Davao City
Lintuan, 51, the father of four children, was shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants as he was driving in downtown Davao City, according to local media reports and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, a press freedom advocacy group. Lintuan had just left DXGO, an AM station owned by the Manila Broadcasting Company, with two colleagues who were uninjured in the attack.

Benefredo Acabal
The Filipino Newsmen
April 7, 2008, in Pasig City,
Acabal, 34, was shot several times at close range by an unidentified gunman in Pasig City in the Manila metropolitan area, according to local and international news reports. The gunman fled the scene on a motorcycle, those reports said. Acabal died from his wounds on the way to the hospital.

Marcos Mataro
UNTV
April 27, 2008, San Simon, Pampanga

Fausto “Bert” Sison
DZAT
June 30, 2008, Sariaya, Quezon

Arecio Padrigao
DXRS
November 17, 2008, in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental
A motorcycle-riding gunman shot radio commentator Padrigao outside Bukidnon State University in Misamis Oriental province on the southern island of Mindanao, according to international news reports.

Leo Mila
Radyo Natin
December 2, 2008, in San Roque
Radio commentator Mila was shot outside Radyo Natin studios in the town of San Roque, Northern Samar province, according to local press freedom groups and international news reports.

Martin Roxas
DYVR
August 7, 2008, in Roxas City
Two men shot Roxas in the back as he drove his motorcycle from DYVR in Roxas City, on the country’s central Panay Island, where he worked as a program director and had just concluded his midday show, according to news reports. Police said Roxas died at a local hospital from a gunshot wound to his spine, the reports said.

Dennis Cuesta
DXMD
August 9, 2008, in General Santos City
Two gunmen traveling by motorcycle fired several shots at Cuesta, a program director and anchor for DXMD, an affiliate of the Radio Mindanao Network, on a public street in General Santos City on August 4, according to news reports citing police.

Badrodin Abbas
DXCM
January 22, 2009, in Cotabato City
Abbas was shot in the head by two motorcycle-riding assailants while he was driving a minivan in Cotabato City, according to local news reports. The journalist was a “block-time” commentator, leasing airtime and soliciting his own sponsors, the reports said. He died of a head wound, Police Chief Willie Dangane told reporters.

Ernie Rollin
DXSY Radio
February 23, 2009, in Oroquieta City,Misamis Occidental
Two men shot Rollin at around 5:30 a.m. at a gas station in Oroquieta City in the Philippine province of Misamis Occidental, according to a statement issued by the

Jojo Trajano
Remate
June 3, 2009, in Taytay Rizal
Reporter Trajano was killed in crossfire during a police raid of an alleged organized crime den near Manila, according to local and international news reports.

Crispin Perez
DWDO Radio
June 9, 2009, in San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro
An unidentified attacker stabbed and fatally shot Perez in San Jose, province of Mindoro Occidental, according to local and international news reports.

Badrodin Abbas
DXCM
January 22, 2009, in Cotabato City , Philippines
Abbas was shot in the head by two motorcycle-riding assailants while he was driving a minivan in Cotabato City, according to local news reports. The journalist was a “block-time” commentator, leasing airtime and soliciting his own sponsors, the reports said. He died of a head wound, Police Chief Willie Dangane told reporters.

Godofredo Linao
Radyo Natin-Bislig
July 27, 2009,  Barobo, Surigao Del Sur

Philippine broadcaster Godofredo Linao Jr., 49, was shot in Barabo township, Surigao del Sur province, about 545 miles (875 kilometers) from the capital, Manila, according to local press freedom groups and news reports.


Ampatuan massacre
Andres Teodoro
Central Mindanao Inquirer

Henry Araneta, DZRH
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Mark Gilbert Arriola, UNTV
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Rubello Bataluna, Gold Star Daily
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Arturo Betia, Periodico Ini
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Romeo Jimmy Cabillo, Midland Review
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Marites Cablitas, News Focus and DXDX
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Hannibal Cachuela, Punto News
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Jepon Cadagdagon, Saksi News
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

John Caniban, Periodico Ini
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Lea Dalmacio, Socsargen News
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Noel Decina, Periodico Ini
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Gina Dela Cruz, Saksi News
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Jhoy Duhay, Gold Star Daily
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Jolito Evardo, UNTV
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Santos Gatchalian, DXGO
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Bienvenido Legarte Jr., Prontiera News
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Lindo Lupogan, Mindanao Daily Gazette
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Ernesto Maravilla, Bombo Radyo
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Rey Merisco, Periodico Ini
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Reynaldo Momay, Midland Review
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Marife “Neneng” Montaño, Saksi News and DXCI
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Rosell Morales, News Focus
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Victor Nuñez, UNTV
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Ronnie Perante, Gold Star Daily
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Joel Parcon, Prontiera News
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Fernando Razon, Periodico Ini
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Alejandro Reblando, Manila Bulletin
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Napoleon Salaysay, Mindanao Gazette
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

Ian Subang, Socsargen Today
November 23, 2009, in Ampatuan, Philippines

In the deadliest event for the press ever recorded by CPJ, 30 Philippine journalists and two media support workers were ambushed and brutally slain on November 23 as they traveled in Maguindanao province with a convoy of people who intended to file gubernatorial candidacy papers for a local politician. In all, 57 people were killed in a shocking display of barbarism apparently motivated by political clan rivalries. Most of the bodies were dumped in a mass hillside grave in the town of Ampatuan.

Ismael Pasigna
B-96 FM
December 24, 2009, in Labason, Zamboanga Del Norte
A gunman on a motorcycle shot Pasigna at around 6.30 a.m. in the town of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte province, Mindanao, according to local news reports.

Desidario Camangyan
Sunrise FM
June 14, 2010, in Manay, Philippines
Camangyan was shot from behind at close range while hosting an amateur singing contest, according to local and international news reports. He died at the scene from a single shot to the head in front of an audience that included his wife and 6-year-old son, news reports said. Police said the gunman escaped on foot.

Jovelito Agustin
DZJC
June 16, 2010, Laoag City Ilocos Norte

Nestor Bedolido
Mt. Apo Currrent/Kastigador
June 19, 2010, Digos City, Davao Del Sur

Miguel Belen
DWEB
July 31, 2010, in Nabua, Camarines Sur
Belen, a part-time radio commentator, died in a local hospital after being shot seven times by two motorcycle-riding assailants on the evening of July 9, according to news reports.

Gerardo Ortega
DWAR
January 24, 2011, in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines
A gunman shot radio talk show host Ortega in the back of the head as the journalist was shopping in a Puerto Princesa City clothing store shortly after his morning broadcast, according to local and international news reports.

Maria Len Flores Sumera
DZME
March 24, 2011, in Malabon City
An unidentified gunman fired on Somera, who hosted a public service program on DZME radio, before fleeing the scene in a Jeep, according to The Associated Press. There were two assailants, according to local news reports. Somera, a 44-year-old mother of three, died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head on the way to a local hospital.

Romeo Olea
DWEB
June 13, 2011, in Iriga City, Camarines Sur
Olea, a radio commentator, was killed after being shot twice in the back while riding his motorcycle on his way to work, according to local and international media reports that quoted police sources.

Niel Jimena
DYRI-RMN Radio
August 22, 2011, in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental
Two gunmen shot Jimena, 42, five times while he was on a motorcycle near his home in the Negros Island town of E.B. Magalona, according to local and international news reports. He died before arriving at a local hospital, news reports said.

Roy Quijada Gallego
DXDA, DXSF
October 14, 2011, Lianga Surigao Del Sur.

Alfredo “Dodong Velarde
Brigada News
November 11, 2011, General Santos City.

Source: cpj.org, cmfr-phil.org, nujp.org

Saturday, September 10, 2011

May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya?

Mother and Child  by Isabelo M Quilles, 1992


May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya?
Ni: Ruth Persigas Udtohan
University of Bohol High School- 1999

(To err is human to forgive is divine. Minsan ang pag-ibig ay naging mailap. Ang pagkakaroon ng galit sa kapwa ay nagbubunga ng isang kamalian. Ngunit sadyang nilikha ng Diyos ang pag-ibig na ito ang magbibigay katuwaan sa lahat ng tao sa mundo. May hihigit pa kaya sa pag-big?)


"Marcel, hija. Puwede ka namang magtrabaho a club. Malay mo makakakita ka ng isang mayamang lalaki at pakasalan ka. Di, mayaman na tayo!"

"Tiya Amelia, pero hindi..bakit ba ganyang klaseng trabaho! Nakakahiya naman!"

Lubos na naging ulila si Marcel. Labing anim pa ito'y pinagtrabaho na siya ng kanyang Tiya Amelia buhat nang namatay ang mga magulang nito. Hindi niya gustong magtrabaho sa club pero pinilit siya ng kanyang Tiya Amelia. Sabi nito'y kailangan niyang sumayaw dahil malaki daw ang kita.

Si Marcel kung tutuusin ay isang babaeng mala-anghel ang mukha. Siya ang batang may ginintuang puso, kumikislap sa kanya ang mga katangiang pinalaki sa isang marangal na pamilya. Ngunit ang malupit na panahon lamang ang pumutol sa mga kaligayahang idinulot ng kanyang mga magulang.

Oo nga, pinilit siya ng kanyang tiyahin na ipsaok ang sarili sa kamunduhang bagay.

Noong una, natakot siya. Pero pinagsabihan siya na walang  anuman iyon at nasanay rin siya. Sa totoo, nasanay si Marcel sa pagsasayaw sa club. Ngunit kailan man ay hindi siya nakipaglaro sa mga lalaki, ayaw niyang madungisan ang kanyang moralidad. Inigatan niya ang puri na nagsasabi na wala siyang ginawang masama sa club-nagsasayaw lamag siya.

At sa bahay , 8:30 ng bumangon si Marcel. Umaga pa'y sermon na siyang narinig. Ganyan talaga ang kanyang tiyahin mahilig magsermon tuwing umaga.

"Ano ba, Ane?" Aalis ka naman? Anong oras ka umuwi kagabi ha?"

"Ikaw talaga!" sabay lusi niya sa tenga.

"Arrrraaaayyyyy!!!!!!!!!"

"Ikaw naman Rudy, iwasan mo nga iyong bisyo. Magtrabaho ka ang laki mong tao!"

'Ano ba inay ang aga-aga mong magsermon!" sumbat ni Rudy.

Nakita ni Amelia si Marcel; na lumabas ng kuwarto.

"Marcel nag-almusal ka na ba?" tanong nito.

"Hindi pa, maliligo muna ako Tiya."

Matagal natapos si Marcel. Tinawag siya ni Amelia.

"Marcel aalis ako pupuntahan ko iyong kaibigan ko, baka mamayang gabi pa ako uuwi dito. Ikaw muna ang bahala sa bahay ha?"

"Opo Tiya, maaasahan mo."

Nang matapos si Marcel ay nagulat lamang siya na nadatnan niya si Rudy.

“Anong ginagawa mo Rudy? Naninilip ka no?” takot niyang sabi.

Madaling nagtungo si Marcel sa kuwarto na nakatapis lamang ng tuwalya. Pakiramdam niyay’ tinitigan ni Rudy ang kanyang katawan. Kaya pala na-tripan siya ni Rudy dahil maputi ang kanyang dibdib at tama ang kurba ng kanyang magandang katawan.

 “Ngayon Maricel maaangkin ko na ang katawan mo. Matagal na kitang gusto.” Si Rudy.

“Sandali lang Ane!” Tumayo si Marcel upang buksan ang pinto. “Rudy, ikaw pala. Ano naman ang kailangan mo? Kung hihingi ka ng pera, wala ako ngatyon!”

Namumula ang mga mata nito at mabaho pa ng alak. Alam niyang nagdrudrugs ito. “Gusto ko ang katawan mo!” Tawa nito.

“Lumabas ka! Lumabas ka na rito Rudy!”
Tinulak si Marcel sa kama. “Rudy ‘wag mong gagawin ‘to sa akin. Maawa ka naman.” Hindi pa rin nakinig ito at hinawakjan ang kanyang kamay at idiniin ang mga iyon sa magkabilang tabi ng kanyang ulo. Anumang pagpilit niyang makahulagpos ay nawalan ng saysay, nasa kapangyarihan na siya sa lakas ni Rudy.

“Rudy, maawa ka,” pilit niyang sabi. Sa medaling salita nakuha ang pagkababae niya. Nawala na ang kanyang iniingatang puri.

Nang matapos na si Rudy sa kanyang ginawa, huminto ito at humiga sa kama. Dali-dali naming kinuha ni Marcel ang flower vase na nakapatong sa mesa. Pinagkayahan niyang makuha iyon at binasag niya sa ulo ni Rudy at nawalan ito ng malay.

“Oh, ikaw pala?” gulat si Lorna

“Marcel, ikaw bay an?”

“Sino pa ba? Kung magsalita ka para kang nakakita ng multo.” Natawa si Lorna.

Halika ka rito sa loob!” Inakay siya ni Lorna sa loob ng bahay. “Halos magkasabay silang nakaupo sa sofa. “Anong probelma? Ba’t may bitbit kang pang maleta?” tanong niya sa kaibigan.

“Umalis na ako sa bahay nila Tiya Amelia.”

“Nag-aaway ba kayo?”

“Hindi, kusa akong umalis, walang hiya si Rudy…”

At ikinuwento niya ang lahat. Biglang napatingin si Marcel kay Lorna. “Salamat sa pagtanggap mo sa akin dito, Lorna ha?”

Umalis si Marcel kinaumagahan, nagpadala siya nang sulat sa kanyang Tiya Amelia. Sinsabi niyang lahat ang kahayupang ginawa ng anak nito. Nag-alala naman siya ng hindi siya pinuntahan ng kanyang buwanang dalawa. Pumunta siya kay Dr. Sheila.

“Dok, anong resulta?” tanong niya.

“Congratulations! You are now a mother. Two months na ang batang nasa tiyan mo.” Sabin g doctor.

Umuwi si Marcel na parang wala sa isip buhat nang malaman niya ang resulta.

‘Marcel,anong resulta? Tanong ni Lorna.

“Buntis ako Lorna!” iyak niyang sabi.

“Paano na ako ngayon? Kailangan kong ipalaglag ang batang ito!”

“Huwag Marcel! Masama iyan. Maawa ka naman sa bata!”

Bumitiw si Marcel. Iniisip niyang isang dagok ng kapalaran ang nangyari sa kanyan. “Paano, anong gagawin ko?” Niyakap siya ni Lorna, naawa ito sa kalagayan niya.

“Marcel ito na lang ang ating gagawin.  Magtratrabaho ka at ako naman ang mag-aalaga sa bata.”

“Salamat Lorn, talagang maasahan kita. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na mapapapatunayan talaga ang tunay na kaibigan sa oras ng kagipitan. Sa oras ng kagipitan anumang uri ng kabutihan, maliit man o malaki  ay hindi maaring masayang sa oras ng pangangailangan.”


“O, sa paaralan mo ba nakuha ang mga linyang iyan?” At humahalakhak si Marcel. Papaano’y nadiyan si Lorna.

Dumating ang panganganak ni Marcel. Pero buhay para sa isipan niya ang ginawang panggagahasa ni Rudy.  Isang malusog na batang babae ang iniluwal niya sa mundo. Nang Makita niya ang bata ay kinamumuhian nito ito hanggang nakalabas na siya sa hospital.

“Marcel, ikaw na muna ang magkarga sa bata at akin ang mga gamit mo.”

‘Ikaw nalang Lorn, akin na ‘yang mga gamit ko.”

“O sige, bahala ka.”

At sa bahay, naratnan ni Lorna hindi humahawak sa sanggol o magpalit ng lampin ito. Bumalik si Marcel sa trabaho at palaging lasing naman itong umuwi.

Binalewala niya ang lahat.

“Ano ba Marcel” Palagi ka nang lasing. Baka magkakasakit ka nyan.” Alalang sabi ni Lorna.

“Alam mo Lorn kung bakit ako nagkaganito.”

“Lumipas na iyon Marcel kaya tanggapin mo na.” Ani ni Lorna.

“Hindi buhay pa sa akin ang ginawa niya!”

“Magpahinga ka na Marcel.”

Lumaki na ang bata. Pitong taong gulang na ito ay hindi pa rin nawala na kamuhian niya si Nica. Sinasalubing si Marcel ni Nica na galing sa trabaho,

“Mami!” sigaw niya. Yumakayp ang kanyang anak pero binitwan niya ito. Natulala si Nica kung bakit hindi siya mahal ng kanyang mami. Umiyak ito at pumunta sa kusina kung saan nandun ang kanyang Tiya Lorna.

“Tiya, bakit manhid si mami?” iyak niya.


Baka puyat lang siya sa trabahoi eh galing pa naman siya sa club.”

Hindi, natandaan ko pa na noon pa man hindi niya ako talaga mahal.”

“Mahal ka niya Nica,” sabay pahid sa mga luha ng bata,

Kinausap ni Lorna si Marcel. Sinabi niya kung bakit niya ginawa ang mga bagyay na di kasiya-siya sa bata.

‘Hindi ko kayang mahalin si Nica.” Paikli niyang sabi.

‘Kahit na hindi mo tratuhin si Nica ng ganun. Malaki na si Nica Marcel at alam na niya ang mga pangyayari.  Ang lahat lahat.” Dugtong ni Lorna.

“Ano ba talaga ang pakialam ko sa kanya.”

“Sige, ito lang ang sasabihin ko iyo, balang araw ikaw naman ang hihingi ng pagmamahal.”

“Ano? Ako ang hihingi sa kanya? Hahahahaha” Hindi yan mangyayari magpakailanman.” Diin ni Marcel.

“Tandaan mo lang” at umalis na si Lorna.

Nag-alalal si Marcel sa tinuran ni Lorna. Paano kung magkatotoo ang sinabi nito.

Lumipas na ang ilang taon at ganap ng dalaga si Nica. Nagiging iba na ang ugali niya. Pero hindi naman siya pinansin nito. Hindi siya kinausap.,

Minsan nanonood sina Lorna at Nica ng kanilang paboritong prorama. Nagkatuwaan. Sa totoo nga para silang tunay na mag-ina. Nakatingin lamang si Marcel na parang naiinggit sa dalawa. Hindi niya mapigilan ang kanyang damdamin at lumapit ito sa kanila.

“Can I join?” pakiusap nia.

“Condition ka na ngayon ha?” tukso ni Lorna.

Sa totoo nga hindi naman ganun si Marcel na makisalo sa kanila. Parang milagro nga ang nangyari.

“Excuse me Tita matutulog na ako.

“Hindi pa tapos ang programa” aniya.

“Eh kasi puyat na po ako.” Humalik si Nica kay Lorna. Akala ni Marcel na hahalikan din siya. Ngunit nagkamali siya,

‘Anong nagyari kay Nica?” tanong ni Marcel.

“Wala naman, ganun lang talaga iyon. Hayaan mo muna. Matulog na tayo.”

Umaga ng Sabado, sabay gumising sina Lorna at Marcel. Lumabas si Lorna upang bumili ng tinapay sa kanto. Gising na rin si Nica na naratnan ni Marcel sa kusina.

“Good morning Nica!”

“Good morning,” na nakasimangot ang mukha.

“Kakain ka na?”

Hindi siya nakinig at tumuloy sa sa sala para hanapin ang kanyang Tita Lorna.

“Wala ang Tita mo, lumabas ng bahay para bumili ng tinapay.”

“Umuulan ba ngayon? “pilosopo niyang sabi,

“Alam ko ang sinabi mo Nica!”

“Buti alam mo” sarkastiko niyang sinabi.

“Nica, sandal lang..”

“Ano ba bitiwan mo ako! Ayaw kong makipag-usap sa katulad mo!”

Sinampal ni Marcel si Nica. Gumanti naman ito.

“Wala kang karapatan na saktan ako!” Si Nica.

“May karapatan ako, ako ang ina mo!”

“Ina? Ina? Wala akong ina. Si Tita Lorna ang ina ko!” sigaw niya.

“Nica, sumasagot ka na ngayon ha!”

“Ikaw naman ang nagturo sa akin. Kung hihigngi ka naman ng tawad o mahalin ka..nagkamali ka. Ayaw kong hatiin ang pagmamahal ko lay Tita Lorna.

“Nica patawarin mo na ako. Alam kong nagkamali ka. Mahal kita.”  Iyak niya,

Napaluhod si Marcel sa paanan ni Nica. Pero hindi ito pinansin ni Nica.

“Umalis ka!”

“Nica!”

Dumating si Lorna na nakita niya si Marcel na nakaupo sa sahig at umiya ito. Nilapitan siya ni Lorna sabay ang pagyakap s akanya,

“Lorn tulungan mo ako” pakiusap niya.

“Hindi ko kaya. Desisyon iyon  ni Nica Di ba sabi ko sa iyo noon?”

Tumayo si Marcel at umupo sa sofa. Napaluha pa rin to sa nangyari sa kanya.

Nang pumasok si Lorna sa kuwarto nakita niya si Marcel na bihis na bihis,.

“Nagpaganda ka.. saan ba ang lakad mo? Tanong ni Lorna.

“May pupuntahan lamang ako.” Sagot nito.

Humalik si Marcel at nagpaalam ito kay Lorna.

Alas 8 na ng gabi ay wala pa rin ito sa bahay. Nag-alala si Lorna baka may masamang nagyari sa kanuan.

“Tita, matulog na po kayo. ”


“Hindi mo ba hihintayi ang ina mo?”

Nakasimangot si Nica. Hindi makap[agsalita. Maya-maya’y nag-ring ang telepono.

“Hello!”

“Hello, ito po ba ang bahay ni Miss Marcel Castillo?” Boses mula sa kabilang linya.

“Opo,” sagot ni Nica.

“Anak ka ba niya? “Matagal na hindi nakasagot si Nica.

“Opo, ano po ba ang kailangan nila?”

“Nasa hospital ang ina mo, naaksidente.”

‘Oo, pupunta na kami diyan.”

Nagulat si Lorna sa balita. Madali nilang pinuntahan si Marcel sa hospital. Pagdating nila sa silid kung saan si Marcel ay nakahiga, nagkamalay na ito.

‘Kumusta ka na Marcel?”

“Heto, mabuti na ang kalagayan ko. Nasaan si Nica. Gusto ko siyang makita?”

Tinawag ni Lorna si Nica. Nahihiya pa itong lumapit.

“Ina, matagal na kitang pinatawad noon pa, ngunit nag-atubili po kayong sabihin ang mga salitang iyon dahil sa galit at kasikam ng pag-ibig.”

“Salamat anak kahit papaano ay napatawad mo ako.” Sabay jawak niya sa mukha ni Nica.

“Ano naman kayo, mananalo kayo niyan sa best actress sa Oscar Awards ha?” nagtawanan ang tatlo.

Nang nagkabalikan na ang mag-ina, maligayang-maligaya si Lorna. Papaano’y may liwanang na sa madilim na kahapon. Napatunayan na niya na isa siyang tunay na kahiramang suklay. Hindi natin masisisi si Nica sa kanyang mga reaksiyon. Batid niyang may natutunan siya na dapat igalang natin ang ating mga magulang dahil ito ang unang utos ng Diyos na may pangako.

Maganda na ang ugali ni Marcel at ipinagako niya sa sarili na “mas mainam na kalimutan ang nakaraan. Matutuong mamuhay ng matiwasang paa sa kinabukasan.”