MANILA, Philippines - The Center for Media and Responsibility (CMFR) and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) slammed the media for allegedly failing to play its role in seeking justice for the November 23, 2009 massacre of 32 journalists and media workers in Maguindanao.

"Mass media's short attention span and susceptibility to the lure of reporting those events that help boost ratings and circulations" is partly to blame for the slow progress of court cases, the groups said in their statement "Lest We Forget."

"Forgetfulness is among the worst vices of a people whom the media have failed to provide information crucial to their lives. And yet, forgetfulness is the sure guarantee for the repetition of such atrocities as the Ampatuan massacre, the human rights violations that continue to haunt this country, and the constant peril of authoritarian rule. Only by remembering the past can we prevent its repetition," they added.

Issued on Wednesday to mark the 100th day since the election-related massacre, the CMFR and SEAPA called on the media to renew their commitment to doggedly pursue justice for their colleagues.

The slain media workers joined the convoy of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu's relatives and supporters, who were sent to Shariff Aguak to file his certificate of candidacy for governor. Their bullet-ridden bodies were later found in Ampatuan town, the territory of the Ampatuan clan, Mangudadatu's political rival for the post.

The principal suspect in the massacre, ex-Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., is on trial for multiple murder.

Alarmed over delays

The CMFR and SEAPA also warned they see danger in the series of postponements of Andal Jr.'s bail hearing.
 
The groups urged the media to look into the following shortcomings in the justice system:

1) delays in the trial due to technical issues
2) "police collusion at the local levels in the killing of journalists"
3) overworked prosecutors who fear for their safety
4) involvement of local officials and warlords.

The delays in the justice system are also discouraging the families and witnesses from continuing the fight, they said.

"Equally distressing is the information, relayed by one of the private lawyers helping prosecute the case, that witnesses are being bought if not threatened, and that relatives are being offered amounts that few mortals in the Philippine community setting can refuse in exchange for withdrawing their complaints," the CMFR and SEAPA said.