“Their remains will be buried, but not the cry for justice,” veteran broadcaster Kuya Daniel Razon said referring to the gruesome Maguindanao massacre which killed 57 people including 30 journalists, four of which are staff members of the UNTV 37 network.

The UNTV media men killed last November 23rd were reporter Victor Nuñez, 24, cameraman Mac Delbert Ariola, 20, editor Jolito Evardo, 21, and driver Daniel Tiamzon, 52.

Daniel Tiamzon was buried today at the Loyola Memorial Park, Parañaque City simultaneous with the burial of the three journalists in Forest Lake, General Santos City.

A funeral cortege with 1,477 vehicles and 150 bikers as of 2:45 p.m. journeyed the stretch of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue proceeding to the Loyola Memorial Park. Mourners were wearing white tops with black armbands signifying their sympathy to the bereaved families.

In UNTV 37’s special coverage of the burial ceremony, Kuya Daniel Razon’s was seen with grief exuding from his countenance but remained sober despite the sad atmosphere.

“We believe that everything that happens in this world has a purpose, even if we don’t fully understand it,” said Kuya Daniel in his remarks. “Our fellow journalists Victor Nunez, Mac Mac Ariola, Jolito Evardo, and Daniel Tiamzon are now resting, but what they have started, the fight and principle they stand on we will not let these die. This is not the end rather this is the start of our fight for justice and to continue the cry of freedom.”

In Forest Lake, families of the victims made their statements one by one with a common plea — justice.

Dino Hilario, UNTV News Bureau Chief of Region XII sends his condolences and appeases the bereaved families that justice will be served if not in courts of men in the court of God.

At the Loyola Memorial Park, Christian songs were sang by the Maharlika Missionary Chorale with the Ang Dating Daan Chamber Orchestra playing, while sympathizers, mostly of the Members Church of God International, assembled themselves in the area to show their support to the family of Tiamzon.

A brief program at the memorial park started at 4:00 p.m. while the laying down of coffins of the three journalists continued in Forest Lake.

The killings of the 30 journalists in the Maguindanao massacre marked November 23, 2009 as the darkest day in Philippine Journalism. A survey revealed that the Philippines ranked fifth among the most deadly countries in the world with its apparent media killings, which heightened during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s administration.

“I believe that this is a product of political corruption. If these people knew from the beginning that they are under the law or learned to respect the rights of others, they will not do this,” Kuya Daniel’s sentiments in his morning show Good Morning Kuya last November 27.

“Even animals, they’re not supposed to be killed like that. It’s not acceptable in our society to inhumanely kill animals. But these are people, they are humans!” he continued.

Numerous balloons took off to the sky as family and friends of Daniel Tiamzon took one last glimpse of their beloved before his body was brought down to his grave.

The UNTV special coverage ended showing pictures and videos of the slain UNTV media men. The show ended at about 5:30 in the evening, and was hosted by Kuya Daniel Razon, Atty. Erwin George Garcia, Joe Castigador, Rolly Gonzalo, and Annie Rentoy with guest speakers Atty. Jose Fernandez, political analyst Ramon Casiple, psychologist Dr. Camille Garcia, and KBP-Metro Manila Chapter President Rey Langit. (Published on December 6, 2009)

Written by Chris Anne Gonzales