I am the daughter of Reynaldo ‘Bebot Momay,’ the 58th victim in the Maguindanao Massacre.[]
It is 58.
I have been very vocal about this fact that my father was there.
I may know for a fact that in litigating one’s claim, it is what you can prove in court (that) matters. And this, this is what I will fight for until such time that my truth will be recognized by the court of law.
After the Branch 221 of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City ruled the conviction of the Ampatuans and other accused for 57 counts of murder, the frustration introduced me to another level of pain.
And this time, it is more painful.
I remember how I fought along with the families of the victims even though I did not find the body of my father. I’ve been asking God, maybe my fight is still not over and it is still my purpose to continue because as of now, it is my only hope.
I respected the Regional Trial Court’s decision. But I do not stand behind the fact that it left out justice for my father.
My father is a mediaman. He was a photojournalist. He was there among those victims. The only reason why he lost his life was because of his profession. The profession that he did not only love but the profession that guards and defends every citizen’s Constitutional right to press freedom.[]