MANILA - Around 1,000 demonstrators from media groups and other sectors marched to Don Chino Roces bridge (formerly Mendiola bridge) on Monday to call for justice for the victims of the massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao last November 23.

The group was led by the National Press Club, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, College Editors Guild Of The Philippines, and women’s group Gabriela.

The protesters brought with them makeshift coffins to symbolize their condemnation of the gruesome killings which left at least 57 people dead including no less than 30 journalists.

The demonstrators and mediamen covering the event wore black as a sign of solidarity and condemnation.

An unintended highlight of the protest rally was a confrontation between demonstrators and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde who made an unscheduled appearance in the rally.

Remonde attempted to speak on stage but the sound system was overpowered by the booing of the crowd. Some even threw small pieces of paper to Remonde which forced him to retreat back to the Palace.

The secretary insisted that he was bringing the message of the Palace to the rally - that it was one with them in condemning the massacre.

Protest organizers said, however, that they were surprised by the impromptu visit of the secretary and were unable to control the emotions of the crowd.

The rest of the protest activity finished without a hitch, and the demonstrators dispersed peacefully.