The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the guilty verdict against some members of the Ampatuan clan involved in the brutal death of 58 persons, including 32 journalists, in Maguindanao.

We equally laud the efforts of the court, with Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes presiding, to resolve this case based on the merits of the evidences and testimonies presented, equally recognising the measures done by the Supreme Court to assist and expedite the proceedings.

This case’s resolution echoes our call to ensure that justice prevails by making every perpetrator accountable for crimes committed against human rights and dignity, especially given its scope and scale.

To recall, CHR has sent its own investigators, lawyers, and forensics team to help in investigating this grave human rights violation when it happened in 2009.

While being a landmark decision, we steadily urge the government to ensure that every case of assault to the rights of Filipinos be met with the full force of the law towards addressing marks of impunity that continues to prevail.

Let today be a teaching moment on the need to resolve cases with urgency; in affording better protection for journalists; the need for media literacy in allowing free speech to flourish in a democratic society; and in making sure that government institutions live up to their obligation in protecting rights of every Filipino.

May this verdict revive our faith in the justice system, as well as in the principles of due process and rule of law—further recognising that value of truth as our best defence against the many forms of abuses that threaten human dignity. ###