“Going against the grain-
no matter their lives are at stake”
This note is first intended to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of the truth, but it is also an opportunity for reflection and reaffirming one's dedication to doing so, particularly in the middle of a tumultuous past. Everyone has undoubtedly fought for civil rights, particularly press freedom, as well as justice for their families and friends.
For since the single bloodiest election-related violence against journalists in modern history occurred there in Maguindanao 13 years ago, weeds have taken over the area, and despite the fact that the criminals have been charged and are in prison, there has still been insufficient redress.
This widespread assault on the media ended up being the worst day of election-related violence in Philippine history. And 13 years after such a horrible tragedy, the fight against the culture of impunity still goes on, despite those who urge to “forget” and to "move on."
However, this tragic incident doesn’t stop there, for there are other tragic incidents that befell journalists and media professionals as a result of their dedication to their profession, ranging from harassment to outright murder. These individuals preferred to go against the grain as they unearth truths and encourage others to speak out or engage in conflict to defend what is right and just in response to their works. Those who seek truth from facts observe the opposite of the corrupt and cruel despots' "attempts" to "block the road" in favour of their story; as a result, they are exposed and challenged in the name of truth, fairness, and justice.